Visa applications

You need to apply for a visa to study in Australia. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for granting or extending all visas. A student visa is not granted automatically, you have to meet strict criteria. Take the time to read and understand the visa application processes and immigration requirements listed below.

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How to apply for a student visa

Apply online
DIAC offer online visa applications to students from over 40 countries around the world.  Your qualification for online application or an 'eVisa' is based on your assessment level (1,2,3,4 or 5). DIAC determines your assessment level by the country nominated on your passport and the level of study on your application.

Study levels for international students at Victoria University are generally split into five study levels:

  • English language
  • Vocational Education Training (TAFE)
  • higher education
  • research
  • non-award (Exchange and Study Abroad)

You'll automatically qualify for an eVisa if you are from any assessment level 1 country.

    Check your assessment level to see whether you qualify for eVisa before approaching an agent in your country to assist with your application.

    All students on an AusAID or Defence sponsored student visa are Assessment Level 2.

    Apply in person
    If you do not qualify for an eVisa application, contact DIAC or the embassy nominated on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).

    Visa alert

    You will also need an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) before you can apply for a student visa or an extension to your student visa.

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    Visa document checklist

    To complete your application, and avoid delays, remember to include:
    1.    your Victoria University electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
    2.    your Victoria University Offer Letter
    3.    other documents listed on the DIAC visa checklist relevant to you.

    DIAC will guide you through the rest of the application process.

    Please make sure you hold a valid student visa before attending enrolment.

    Meeting your visa conditions

    If you hold a student visa your responsibilities include:

    If you are under 18 years of age, maintaining accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements approved by Victoria University International, unless you are staying in Australia with a DIAC approved relative or custodian. You must not change those arrangements without the written approval of Victoria University International.

    Visa alert

    Except in extremely limited circumstances, it will not be possible for you to remain in Australia beyond the date authorised on your visa.

    Failure to abide by the conditions on your visa can result in cancellation.

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    Changing address

    It's a condition of your visa to submit your residential address to Victoria University within seven days of arriving in Australia. If you change your residential address, inform the University within seven days.

    Visa alert

    If you have condition 8506 attached to your visa, you must notify Victoria University and DIAC at least two working days before you move to your new address.

    Failure to notify the University of a change of address may result in the cancellation of your visa.

    Work rights

    You have automatic work rights if your student visa was granted after 26 April 2008. If you were granted a student visa on or before the 26 April 2008, you can apply to DIAC for permission to work.

    Work rights allow you to only work:

  • for the duration of your visa
  • once you have commenced your course
  • a maximum of 20 hours per week whilst your course is in session
  • any number of hours during the summer or winter non-teaching periods.
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    English language requirements

    If your student visa application is classified as Assessment Level 3, 4 or 5, you will be required to take an IELTS test, regardless of whether you meet the Victoria University entry requirements by other means. See the DIAC website to determine your assessment level. 

    ELICOS visas
    If you are studying an ELICOS program of no longer than ten weeks you can apply to travel to Australia on a tourist or visitor visa.
    Student visas can only be granted for courses that are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

    Permanent Residency

    If you qualify for permanent residency, the university needs to record any changes to your visa status. Visit  Victoria University International with your passport and proof of your new visa status. You must then inform your faculty and discuss how this will affect your enrolment. Other implications of becoming a permanent resident include:

    Visa alert

    When you withdraw from your course, the University will notify DIAC that you are no longer a student of Victoria University by cancelling your eCoE. As a result, your student visa will then be cancelled. In this situation, you should contact DIAC as soon as possible.

    Students under 18

    If you are under the age of 18, your parents must nominate a guardian for you before DIAC will consider your student visa application.

    Your guardian needs to be:

    • over 21 years old
    • a relative
    • a resident in Australia
    • of good character

    DIAC approved relatives are:

    • spouse
    • child
    • adopted child
    • parent
    • brother or sister
    • step-child
    • step-parent
    • step-brother or step-sister
    • grandparent
    • grandchild
    • aunt or uncle
    • niece or nephew
    • step-grandparent
    • step-grandchild
    • step-aunt or step-uncle
    • step-niece or step-nephew.

    If you do not have a relative in Australia, your parents will need to speak with your recruitment officer to discuss options which may be available to you.

    Tourist and Temporary Visas

    Contact DIAC to read more about:

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    Page last updated: Monday 29 August 2011