What visa do I need to study in Australia?

If you’re coming to Australia to study English, you will need a visa.

But the type you require will depend on whether there’s another purpose for your visit beyond just study. It will also be impacted by the length of the course you’re undertaking.

So let’s look at the options available and consider which visa you might need.

Student Visa

If your main intention is to come to Australia and study for a period that extends beyond a few months, then the Student Visa is likely to be the most suitable option.

This visa allows you to study an eligible course, including English language courses, for up to five years.

With a Student Visa, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course is in session, and travel in and out of Australia. You can also include family members, such as your partner and child, in your visa application.

With a minimum eligible age of 6-years-old, the Student Visa suits primary school, secondary school, and tertiary students, along with those looking to undertake lengthier English language studies.

However, this visa does have strict conditions attached. If you have a Student Visa, you must meet your course requirements, remain enrolled, and maintain satisfactory attendance and course progression.

Other visa types

Travelling to Australia for other reasons, but keen to study some English while you’re here?

A number of other visa types also allow you to study English during your stay in Australia, but the length of study allowed is shorter, with a maximum study period of three or four months.

Working holiday visa

Overseas visitors looking to travel to Australia as part of the Working Holiday Maker Program are eligible to study English for up to four months during their stay.

This program includes two types of visas:

• The Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
• The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

Visitor visa

A number of visitor visas also allow for study of up to three months in Australia. They include:

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
• Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), and
• eVisitor (subclass 651).

Workplace Training and Development Visa

If you’re nominated, sponsored or invited to come to Australia for work based training or professional development, you can study English as part of your training.

In this case, the Training Visa (subclass 407) applies, allowing you to undertake occupational training activities to improve skills for your current job, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise.

Student Guardian Visa

If you are accompanying a minor who is under the age of 18 and studying in Australia, you will need a Student Guardian Visa. This visa allows you to study English for less than 20 hours per week.

Application times

If you’re looking to study in Australia, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the visas available and their conditions.

It’s also important to appreciate that the application process can take time, particularly if you’re applying for a longer visa, such as the Student Visa, Workplace Training and Development Visa or Student Guardian visa.

You can learn more about the different types of visas, including costs and application time, here, or check out the English language course options available.