What is checked in a medical examination for an Australian student visa?

Cheryl, an international student from Vietnam, shares her experience completing the student visa health check.

My name is Cheryl, and I moved from Vietnam to Australia to begin a Master’s degree in Business Administration. After my student visa was lodged, I received a request for a visa medical examination. It sounded serious: a medical examination, panel clinics… What should I expect? 

First, I discovered that student visa applicants from certain countries, including Vietnam, usually need to complete a visa health exam, so it wasn’t just me being singled out. I also learned that students studying childcare or nursing are required to do a health check regardless of their country of origin. That information immediately put me at ease.

Now that it’s done, I want to show you how smooth it was and exactly what steps I took. If you’re asking “What are the medical tests for student visas in Australia?”, this post is for you. It’s nothing to be scared of - just a standard part of your visa journey.

Here is a screenshot of the referral letter, so you can see an example of how it looks.

Step-by-step: How I completed my Australian student visa medical examination in Vietnam

When I first received the request for the medical examination, I felt a bit nervous. Thankfully, my education agency handled most of the logistics for me, which made the entire process stress-free.

Here’s what actually happened:

1. My education agency received my referral letter and HAP ID

   After lodging my visa application, my agency got an email from the Department of Home Affairs with a health examination request letter and a HAP ID (Health Assessment Portal ID). They explained that this code is unique to my visa case and must be used for all medical examination bookings.

2. They found an approved panel physician for me

   Because I was still overseas, my agency helped find an approved clinic in my home country. They checked the panel physician list, reviewed availability, and confirmed prices.

3. They booked my appointment

   All I had to do was confirm a date, bring my passport and glasses. The clinic sent a confirmation email with directions and a reminder.

4. I attended the health check

   When I arrived, the clinic staff were welcoming and professional. They checked my passport and HAP ID, then carried out a few simple tests: a general medical examination, chest X-ray, and blood test. It felt more like a quick routine check-up than “a test”. I was done in under an hour.

5. Results were sent directly to Home Affairs

   The panel physician uploaded everything through the eMedical system. My agency later told me they could see in my ImmiAccount that the status had changed to “Health clearance provided - no action required”.

6. My Australian student visa got granted

   A few days later, my student visa was granted! The medical examination wasn’t scary at all - just a necessary process before starting my studies in Australia.

   
   

💡 My tips:

• Seek for agency help with the booking - they know which clinics are approved.

• Keep your HAP ID safe; you’ll need it to track progress.

• Book early if you’re applying close to the semester start.

  
  

My personal FAQs before the medical examination

Q: How long are the medical examination results valid? 

A: Results generally remain valid for 12 months. If you book the exam too early and your visa application drags, you may need to repeat.

Q: Can I submit the Australian student visa application before the medical examination? 

A: Yes, my Australian student visa application was lodged first and then I received a request for the health exam. Some applicants even complete it upfront.

Before attending the medical examination, I was asked to complete a short health questionnaire covering the following questions:

1. Have you ever been diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB)? Have you ever had to take treatment for Tuberculosis (TB)?

2. Have you ever been in close contact at work or at home with a person known to have Tuberculosis (TB)?

3. Have you ever been admitted to hospital and/or received medical treatment for an extended period for any reason (including for a major operation or treatment of a psychiatric illness)?

4. Do you suffer, or have you ever suffered, from mental health problems?

5. Have you ever been told you are HIV positive?

6. Have you ever had a positive Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C blood test?

7. Do you have or have you had cancer in the last 5 years?

8. Do you have high blood sugar / diabetes?

9. Do you have heart problems, including high blood pressure or a heart condition that you were born with?

10. Do you have a blood condition?

11. Do you have bladder or kidney problems?

12. Do you have a physical or intellectual disability that makes it difficult for you to function independently (for example, to move around or learn) or be able to work full-time?

13. Are you, or have you ever been, addicted to drugs or alcohol?

14. Are you taking any prescribed pills or medication (excluding oral contraceptives, over-the counter medication and natural supplements)? If yes, please list these.

Are you considering studying in Australia? Contact us at Study in Australia Group Education Agency for guidance.

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Disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest requirements.