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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to our FAQ page, where we've listed the most frequently asked questions to help you find the information you need about studying in Australia on a student visa. If you don’t want to read through all the questions, simply click on one of the icons below to jump straight to the relevant section.

Planning your Studies

Enrolment

Student Visa

1 PLANNING YOUR STUDIES 

Can you study multiple courses on a student visa in Australia?

Yes, international students can study multiple courses on a student visa in Australia, but you must follow specific rules and requirements. Read on to discover your options and important things to consider before you enrol in multiple courses.

Can I study two courses at the same time on an Australian student visa?

You may choose to study an additional course alongside your principal course. However, it is crucial to maintain satisfactory progress in your principal course, as this is the course for which your student visa was granted. For example, some students enrol in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care as an extra qualification because they already work in those fields.

The second course may sometimes be offered in a condensed format, allowing you to complete it more quickly. However, this requires a higher study load, often with additional classes on weekends, and a significant investment of your time and energy. While finishing two courses is achievable, it should not be underestimated—especially for practical programs such as childcare and aged care. These courses involve hands-on training (for example, learning how to lift people properly) and mandatory work placements or internships, which can be demanding in terms of both time and commitment.

What is course packaging for student visa?

Course packaging allows you to enrol in a combination of courses with clear progression, such as enrolling in Certificate IV in Marketing, followed by a Diploma of Social Media Marketing, and then a Diploma of Artificial Intelligence. This is a great option if you wish to study in Australia for more than one year.

Many CRICOS-registered schools (including VET colleges) have campuses in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Byron Bay, and Gold Coast. In some cases, you can even change campus locations after each term, provided you inform the college in advance and there is availability at your desired campus.

Does the duration of my course affect the student visa fee in Australia?

The student visa application fee is the same whether you apply for a one-year course or a multi-year course package. If you apply for a course package from the beginning, your student visa will cover the duration of all courses included. However, if you initially enrol for only one year and later decide to extend your studies, you will need to apply for a new student visa. If you cancel courses in your package, your student visa will generally expire earlier or when you cease your studies.

If you want to learn more about course packaging options or studying a second course alongside your main studies, reach out to us for free personalised advice. To browse the full range of course options available to international students in Australia, visit our CRICOS course list. If you are interested in finding ways to reduce your study costs, don’t forget to check out our scholarship page for the latest scholarship opportunities available to international students.

Can I get financial help to pay my tuition fees and living costs as an international student in Australia?

Unfortunately, the Australian government does not provide financial support or study loans to international students, as education is one of their primary exports.

However, you may wish to explore study loan options available in your home country. Another popular way for international students to save on rent, a major expense, is house-sitting. Some of our students have secured long-term housesitting opportunities, which allow them to live rent-free in someone’s home while the owners are away on holiday or business, in exchange for looking after the house, plants, and occasionally pets. 

In addition, don’t forget to visit our scholarship website, where we regularly post the latest scholarships and grants available for CRICOS courses to international students in Australia.

When will I receive my course timetable?

You will usually receive your course timetable on orientation day, which marks the start of your studies. Your timetable will outline the schedule for your classes, including times, dates, and locations. Please be aware that timetables are subject to change. Changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, updates in course offerings, or adjustments made to accommodate class sizes.

Some schools publish their timetables in their price lists or on their official websites. If this information is available, we are happy to share it with you. However, please note that we cannot be held responsible for any changes to the timetable, as this is managed solely by the school. Our primary role is to assist students with school enrolment, provide clerical support for their student visa application, and guide you in preparing for your departure. We do not negotiate or arrange timetables on behalf of students.

It is important to remember that the main purpose of a student visa is education. You should not select a school solely based on whether their current timetable fits around your work commitments.

We understand that having advance notice of your timetable is useful for planning your studies and living arrangements. You can typically check for timetable updates through your school’s student portal, which is usually accessible from orientation day. Alternatively, you can contact your education provider’s student services team for more information. All questions regarding your timetable and holiday schedule can generally be answered during orientation.

How much school holiday do you get on a student visa in Australia?

Many vocational courses in Australia, such as Certificate and Diploma programmes, typically offer around three months of school holidays each year. University courses, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, can provide even longer breaks, with some programmes offering over three months off annually. Instead of being taken all at once, these holidays are usually spaced throughout the year. The summer holiday, generally the longest break, takes place over the Christmas period at most institutions. During your school holidays, you are permitted to work full-time, which can be a great opportunity to gain experience and supplement your income. For more details about working in Australia as an international student, please visit our Work in Australia page.

2 ENROLMENT 

How to apply for Australian colleges or universities? Which documents are required?

If you wish to apply for enrolment at an Australian English language school, college, or university as an international student on a student visa, Study in Australia Group can help you prepare and lodge your application documents free* of charge.

Required Documents:

  1. Passport (colour scan)

  2. Certificates from previous qualifications or School Leaving Certificate (NAATI-certified translation, if not in English - We can assist you with this, if required)

  3. CV in Word or PDF format

  4. English Language Proficiency Certificate (if applicable – please ask us if this is required in your case)

    • If you have not yet completed an official English language test, such as IELTS or PTE, we may be able to arrange a free online English assessment for you, depending on your passport country and course choice.

    • For most courses, a minimum score equivalent to IELTS 6.0 is required for admission.

    • If your score is below the minimum requirement, you may have the option to enrol in an English language course beforehand as part of your study package. Your student visa will cover the full duration of both courses.

  5. If you are applying from within Australia (onshore), we require the visa grant letter for your current visa and, depending on your circumstances, the grant letters for any previous visas.

  6. Genuine Student Statement (previously known as the GTE Statement) or Statement of Purpose. We will support you in understanding the requirements and can provide you with examples.

  7. For more information about application requirements and guidance on preparing your documents, please contact Study in Australia Group.

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What is a certified copy for an Australia visa? How to certify a copy of a document in Australia? Where can I certify documents for the student visa? What does it mean when you have a certified copy?

When you apply for a student visa, you may have to provide certified copies of your documents.

  • Make a copy of the original document.

  • Take the original document and your copy to the certifier.

  • They will check your copy is the same as the original.

  • On a single-page document, the certifier must write or stamp, 'This is a certified true copy of the original as sighted by me'

  • On documents with more than 1 page, the certifier must write or stamp 'I certify this and the following [number of pages] pages to be a true copy of the original as sighted by me' on the first page and initials all other pages.

  • The certifier must also write or stamp on the copy:

    • their signature

    • their full name

    • their occupation

    • their phone number

    • the date

    • their address (optional)

 

The following professions may be able to certify your documents:

  • Australian consular officer or Australian diplomatic officer

  • bank officer with min. 5 years of continuous service

  • commissioner for affidavits

  • dentist (licensed or registered)

  • fellow of the National Tax Accountant's Association

  • justice of the peace

  • legal practitioner (licensed or registered)

  • medical practitioner (licensed or registered)

  • member of Engineers Australia, other than at the grade of student

  • member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants or the Institute of Public Accountants

  • nurse (licensed or registered)

  • optometrist (licensed or registered)

  • permanent employee of Australian, state or local government authority with min. 5 years of continuous service

  • permanent employee of the Australian Postal Corporation with min. 5 years of continuous service

  • pharmacist (licensed or registered)

  • physiotherapist (licensed or registered)

  • police officer

  • psychologist (licensed or registered)
     

For a full and up-to-date list of occupations that can certify documents for Australian visas, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/on-paper/certified-copy

How do I get started with your service?

In order to assess your situation and provide the most accurate advice and assistance, we kindly ask you to answer some questions. We have a Client Assessment Form that you can complete, this will take no more than two minutes of you time.

How do you obtain a CoE for the Australian student visa?

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter from the education provider. Most institutions allow you to pay your programme fees in instalments. Once you have paid the first instalment, the education provider will issue your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).

You will need the CoE, along with your OSHC health insurance certificate, to apply for your student visa.

You cannot apply for a student visa without a valid CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment). Please allow some time for the CoE to be generated, as education providers must enter your study details into the PRISMS system (the Australian Government’s education database) before issuing your CoE.

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How does a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) look like?

A CoE, or Confirmation of Enrolment, is an official document issued by an Australian education provider to confirm your enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course. It is usually a PDF document that contains important details about your course and your enrolment status. Key information typically included on a CoE:

  • Your full name and date of birth

  • The name and CRICOS number of the education provider

  • The course name, level, and CRICOS code

  • Course start and end dates

  • The amount of tuition fees paid

  • Any remaining fees or terms

  • The unique CoE code (which you must enter in your student visa application)

  • Provider contact details


You can see an example of a CoE by clicking on the PDF icon below. Please note that personal details have been redacted for privacy.
 

CoE Example (redacted)

3 STUDENT VISA

 

What is the visa success rate of your students?

Our students have an exceptional track record, with a 99% success rate for student visa approvals since our foundation in 2018. However, please note that we usually only accept students from low-risk countries and from applicants with low-risk profiles who can demonstrate they are genuine students. Since we only get paid if a student actually commences their studies, we do not accept applicants where we see a high risk of visa refusal.

👉Watch our student visa success stories on Instagram

👉Watch our student visa success stories on YouTube

Is there any difference between applying for the student visa 500 from your home country vs. applying from a different country that is neither your home country nor Australia?


For example, applying from Thailand instead of your passport country.

If you are applying for an Australian visa, you may be required to provide biometrics as part of your application process. The Australian Department of Home Affairs (immigration department) states the following:

"If you are lodging a visa application in a country included in the biometrics programme, regardless of your nationality, you might need to provide your biometrics in relation to each visa application you lodge. You may need to travel to a nearby country to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC)."

For example, Thailand is currently one of the countries on the biometrics programme list. This means that applicants lodging their visa applications in Thailand may need to provide biometrics.

It is important to check the latest information regarding biometric requirements before submitting your visa application, as requirements are subject to change. For more details and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

How long is a student visa valid for Australia?

The student visa typically ends 1 – 4.5 months after the end date of your course. The duration depends on the length of your course and the course end date. If your course goes for more than 10 months and ends in Nov or Dec for example, your visa will end on the 15th of March of the following year (given that you have an OSHC health cover for this duration). Please see the table below for details.

Table explaining how to calculate Australian student visa duration

4 WORK & EMPLOYMENT

 

​​​Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes, the Australian student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and full-time during official school holidays. Most vocational courses (Certificate and Diploma) in Australia include around three months of school holidays each year. University degrees, such as Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, may offer even more, with some having over three months of holidays throughout the year. These holidays are generally spread out over the year, rather than taken in one block. At most schools, the summer holidays are the longest and occur over the Christmas period.

The 48-hour restriction does not apply if:
● you are engaged in work that was specified as a requirement of the course when the
course particulars were entered into the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and
Courses for Overseas Students; or
● you are the holder of a Student visa granted in relation to a masters degree by research
or doctoral degree and you have commenced the masters degree or doctoral degree.

For more information, visit the visa conditions page from the Department of Home Affairs (Australian immigration department), our Work in Australia page and our Student Visa page.

We can also assist you in finding a student job while you are in Australia. To stay up to date with the latest job opportunities:

Do you currently hire people?

Please check our job portal for current vacancies. If you already have experience working for a study abroad agency, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. If you don’t have experience yet, ask us about our Ambassador and Refer-a-Friend programmes, where you can earn cash incentives for helping others start their study journey in Australia.

5 COURSE CHANGE

Can I change my course on a subclass 500 student visa?

It may be possible to change your course after you have started studying in Australia on a student visa. However, there are important requirements and procedures you need to follow:

Minimum Study Period

Before you can transfer to another course, you must complete at least six months of your principal course. If you wish to change earlier, you will need a letter of release from your current education provider. Many schools are reluctant to issue this release letter, as they have already allocated your place.

Level of Qualification

You can only change to a course that is at the same or a higher AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) level as your current or highest package course. If you want to transfer to a lower-level course, you’ll usually need to apply for a new student visa, which may involve additional costs and documentation.

For example:

  • If you are currently enrolled in a Diploma course and want to move to an Advanced Diploma, you can usually do so.

  • If you wish to change from a Diploma to a Certificate-level course, you must apply for a new visa. Be aware that your new visa application could be refused if the case officer believes you are not a genuine student. The visa fees are not refundable.

 

Important Steps

  • Always check your visa conditions before making any changes to your study plan.

  • Follow your provider’s official process and the Department of Home Affairs guidelines.

  • Changing courses incorrectly can result in visa cancellation or refusal.
     

For the latest information and to check if you need to apply for a new visa, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Can I take a break from my studies or put my studies on hold if I study on a student visa in Australia?

 

If you are studying in Australia on a student visa, it may be possible to take a break from your studies or defer your course, but strict conditions apply. You must speak with your school’s student services team before making any decisions, as approval for a deferral or leave of absence is granted on a case-by-case basis.

To put your studies on hold, you will generally need to provide a valid reason, such as a medical condition or a family emergency. Your school will usually request supporting documents, like a medical certificate, and may also ask for updates from your doctor. Please note that some schools may charge an administrative fee for processing your request.

Please note: Some courses only offer one or two intakes per year. This means that if you decide to take a break, it might not be possible to rejoin the course exactly where you left off. The study plan and timetable cannot usually be adjusted to accommodate individual students, so you may need to wait until the next available intake to resume your studies.

It is very important to remember that your student visa expiry date will not change if your course completion date is extended due to a deferral. If your new course end date is after your current visa expires, you must apply for and pay for a new student visa to remain in Australia legally.

6 COURSE CANCELLATION & WITHDRAWAL 

What happens if I cancel or withdraw from my studies as an international student on a student visa? 

If I am in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500) and my enrolment is cancelled, do I have to leave?

If you are studying in Australia on a Student Visa (subclass 500) and your enrolment or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is cancelled (for example, due to non-payment of tuition fees or because you have stopped attending classes), your education provider is required to notify the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that you are no longer an enrolled student. Your CoE will be cancelled in PRISMS. PRISMS is the Provider Registration and International Student Management System used by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Failing to maintain enrolment is a breach of your visa conditions. This may lead to your visa being cancelled, and you may be required to leave Australia.

Do I get my money back if I cancel or withdraw from my studies?

Whether you receive a refund depends on your education provider’s refund policy and the timing of your withdrawal. Every provider has specific rules about refunds, which you usually agree to when you sign your offer letter at the start of your studies.

Typically, you won’t be refunded for any portion of your course that you have already completed or attended, since the school has already provided those services—similar to how you wouldn’t receive a refund for meals you’ve already eaten at a restaurant, even if you decide not to return. However, any fees paid in advance for upcoming terms or future classes may be refunded or waived, depending on the school’s cancellation policy and your individual circumstances.

For exact details, please review your original offer letter or visit your provider’s website to read their current refund and cancellation policy. 

7  FEES & COSTS

How much does an Education Agent charge? Why is your service for free?

Many education agents provide student visa services free of charge, as they receive a commission from Australian educational institutions for each student they successfully enrol. However, some agents may charge a service fee, so it’s important to confirm this before proceeding. Registered migration agents or migration lawyers may charge fees ranging from $500 to $2,750. If you have a partner or family joining you, the fees can be higher due to the additional workload involved.

At Study in Australia Group you pay nothing* for our services, because we receive a commission from our education partners which cover our costs for student counselling and application support. Not only is our service free of charge for you, we guarantee it is not added to your tuition fees or enrolment fees so you pay no more. Additionally, we often receive bulk discounts and scholarship promotions from education providers that we pass on to you, enabling us to offer you tuition fees at lower rates.

*Excl. family applications and school enrolment for dependent children/minors.

Please be aware that if your current visa expires in less than two weeks and you need to submit a last-minute application from onshore Australia, a surcharge of $750 may apply. This extra fee is necessary because urgent cases require us to pay our employees overtime rates for working evenings and weekends to complete your application on time. The surcharge only applies to applications lodged with less than two weeks before visa expiry; standard applications are not affected. There are no hidden fees. We will always inform you and request the payment before we begin preparing your application and lodgement of your last minute application.

​How much are tuition fees for international students in Australia? Do international students have to pay the full course fees upfront?

Course fees for international students in Australia vary depending on the course type, level, and education provider. The cheapest student visa courses are usually around AU$6,000 for 12 months. At most schools, you can pay your tuition fees in instalments. Some colleges offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay per term (every three months) or, in some cases, even monthly. If you choose to enrol in a course package (multiple courses at the same school), the enrolment fee is usually charged only once.

To help reduce your study costs, don’t forget to check our scholarship page for the latest scholarship opportunities on CRICOS courses available to international students.

How much does a student visa cost in Australia?

​The Department of Home Affairs currently charges the following fees for a student visa.

  • AU$2,000 — Base application charge (this is the standard fee for most student visa applications)

  • + AU$700 — Subsequent Temporary Application Fee (only applies if you are applying for your new student visa from within Australia and you previously applied for your current visa from within Australia as well)

  • + AU$1,225 — Additional applicant charge (for including your partner on your student visa)

  • + AU$400 — Additional applicant charge (for each dependent child under 18 included in your application)

For most students, the application fee is only AU$2,000. Visa application fees are usually not refundable.

What is OSHC insurance? Can I pay monthly for OSHC?

Before you are able to apply for your student visa, you must obtain and fully pay for an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which provides medical and hospital insurance in Australia. The OSHC certificate is a visa requirement and has to be uploaded to the Department of Home Affairs during the visa application process.

 

The cheapest OSHC insurance for singles currently costs around AU$600 for 12 months. The costs are calculated pro rata depending on your study and visa duration. You cannot pay for OSHC monthly to meet the student visa requirements. You must pay for the entire duration of your student visa upfront. If you cancel your student visa, you can usually request a refund for the unused portion of your OSHC fees from the date your visa is cancelled or in some cases from the date you left Australia. Refunds are typically calculated on a pro-rata basis, but approval of the refund is subject to the insurer’s decision.

The cheapest OSHC insurance for couples or a single parent + 1 child is AU$4,500 for 12 months and subject to availability.

We partner with all OSHC providers and can organise the insurance for you at no extra costs. To see a comparison of the different OSHC providers, including the services covered and their fees, click below.

👉OSHC COMPARISON PORTAL

OSHC Exemptions 

Overseas Students may be exempt from requiring to purchase OSHC if they are from countries that have a specific (government-to-government) agreement with Australia that covers their insurance requirements. 

  • Residents from Norway may be provided with adequate health insurance by the Norwegian Government (the National Insurance Scheme). 

  • Residents from Sweden may be able to take out health insurance with Kammarkollegiet (the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administration Agency). This insurance is considered adequate health insurance. However, this insurance is not universal and student visa applicants must present evidence of cover with their application or they are required to hold OSHC.

  • Residents from Belgium are usually covered by their Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.

What costs should I expect when studying in Australia on a student visa?

The 12-month living costs are currently calculated as follows:

  • Student: AU$29,710 per year

  • Student’s partner or spouse: AU$10,394 per year

  • Student’s child: AU$4,449 per year
    👉Visit our LIVING IN AUSTRALIA page for more information
     

In addition to living expenses, you should also budget for:

  • Tuition fees (from AU$500/month, usually payable in instalments)

  • Visa application fee (see above)

  • OSHC health insurance (see above)

  • Flight tickets

8  SERVICES

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Which agency is best for study in Australia? What services does Study in Australia Group provide for international students?

Study in Australia Group is an education agency and global career consultancy that helps international students and migrants with their plans to study, live and work in Australia. Along with our partners, we assist with finding suitable courses, applying for them, and preparing student visa applications. We also offer career services such as CV reviews and career counselling. Our agency works with many Australian colleges, universities, and other education providers, and has a broad network within the Australian labour market. Study in Australia Group is a QEAC accredited education agency, a trusted member of the German-Australian Chamber of Commerce and the ISEAA.

Pre-arrival services

  • Course and career counseling: Free consultations to help choose the right course, with options including university degrees, vocational courses, and English language programs.

  • Application support: Assistance with preparing application documents, such as the Statement of Purpose, and managing the application process with educational institutions.

  • Visa application: Clerical support with all aspects of the Student visa (subclass 500) application, including lodging the application and preparing for requirements like the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

  • OSHC arrangement: Arranging Overseas Student Health Cover for the required visa duration.

  • Document and evidence preparation: Providing checklists and guidance for preparing necessary documents. 
     

Post-arrival and ongoing support

  • Accommodation booking: Assistance with finding temporary and long-term accommodation.

  • Welfare support: Guidance and support for general welfare during your studies.

  • Employment and career services: Support in preparing for the workforce, including information on internships and professional year programs. 
     

How the service is funded

  • Commission-based: The above mentioned services are free for our students because our agency receives a commission from the educational institutions and insurance providers for each student we help enroll.

  • Negotiated rates: This model allows our agency to sometimes negotiate lower tuition fees with partner colleges than a student might get when applying directly.

 

Why should I use an education agent when applying to study in Australia on a student visa?

Working with an education agency offers you free support and expert guidance throughout the entire process—from finding the right course and applying, to preparing your student visa application. With years of experience, agents know what works and how to avoid common mistakes that may delay or jeopardise your application. In fact, many Australian universities, English language schools and VET colleges no longer accept direct enrolments from students, as errors in enrolment or visa applications can be costly and time-consuming.

Education agents are also specialists in supporting students from specific countries, providing personalised advice based on local requirements and challenges. Study in Australia Group is a trusted agency with extensive experience assisting students from Europe—including Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, and Scandinavia—as well as from Latin America, particularly Argentina, and also the US and Canada.

 

👉Watch our student visa success stories on Instagram

👉Watch our student visa success stories on YouTube

Disclaimer: The information provided in these FAQs is for general information purposes only and does not constitute migration advice, legal advice, or professional guidance. For the most current and accurate regulations, always refer to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Department of Education, ASQA and other relevant authorities. Please note that fees, regulations, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to change at any time, and we may not be able to update this page immediately to reflect those changes. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest updates and important changes relevant to students.

Reference & Attribution: This FAQ content is produced by Study in Australia Group, a leading education and career consultancy for international students. For information on student visa courses, scholarships, living and migrating to Australia, please visit our website at study-in-australia.com. If you are researching or sharing information about studying in Australia, we encourage you to reference or link to our site for trusted, expert advice.

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