How to Obtain a Student Visa for Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia is a southern country in the Pacific Ocean. Cosmpolitan cities like Melbourne and Sydney have become world-famous landmarks since Europeans first began settling Australia in the 1700s. Its surf-worthy beaches and hiker-friendly mountain ranges also make the country a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts There are dozens of universities in Australia. Apply for a student visa so you can live, study and explore the famed land down under.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Temporary Visa (Subclass 573) Application Document Checklist Visa Form 157A Four passport-sized photographs Valid passport Photocopy of travel documents University enrolment confirmation AUD $540
Temporary Visa (Subclass 573) Application Document Checklist
Visa Form 157A
Four passport-sized photographs
Valid passport
Photocopy of travel documents
University enrolment confirmation
AUD $540

Step 1

Determine whether you are eligible to obtain a student visa for Australia. You may apply for a student visa if you are attending an accredited Australian university for a bachelor's or associate degree, a graduate certificate or diploma, or to study for a master's course. Contact the admissions department at the Australian university that you wish to attend to determine whether the institution is accredited.

Step 2

Download the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship's Temporary Visa (Subclass 573) Application Document Checklist (see Resources). This checklist outlines all the forms and documents you need, and links to the actual forms on the Australian Government's website.

Step 3

Print out Form 157A, which is the application for a temporary student visa. The form is linked to within the checklist you downloaded in Step 2. Fill out pages 7 through 23 using a black or blue ballpoint pen. You will need to answer all applicable questions, providing information such as your name, birth date and past employment history.

Step 4

Verify that you have completed the payment form in the application, found on page 22. As of October 2009, the cost for a visa application for U.S. students is AUD $540. Payment can be made via credit card, money order or certified bank check.

Step 5

Take four passport-sized color photographs of yourself. The photos should measure 45 mm by 35mm and be of your head in front of a plain white background. Passport photo services are provided by the photo department at many general retailers.

Step 6

Make notarized copies of a valid passport and travel documents, such as your airline flight itinerary.

Step 7

Print out a copy of your Australian university's Confirmation of Enrollment, or make a copy of an admissions letter from your Australian educational institute.

Step 8

Place your printed visa application, notarized travel and passport documents, proof of admission, passport photos and payment sheet into a #9 3/4 envelope.

Step 9

Mail your student visa application to the Australian embassy in Washington, D.C. The address is: 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC, 20036-2273.

Tips & Warnings

Save time by filling out an online visa application (see Resources). However, you cannot apply over the Internet more than 124 days before your Australian university program starts.

Resources

Article Written By Josh Duvauchelle

Josh Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist with more than 10 years' experience. His work has appeared in various magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine," which has more paid subscribers than any other magazine in Hawaii. He graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.

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