Essential information for obtaining your student visa and ensuring your passport is ready for travel
Before applying for your student visa, make sure your passport meets these requirements:
Important: If your passport expires while you're in Australia, you'll need to get a new one and update your visa details. This can be a complex process, so it's better to ensure your passport has sufficient validity before you depart.
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the appropriate visa for international students planning to study at UNSW. Here's a step-by-step guide to applying:
Before applying for your visa, you need to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW. This document is issued after you've accepted your offer and paid the required deposit.
A CoE is an electronic document that confirms your enrollment in a course at an Australian educational institution. It includes important details such as:
You'll need to create an account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to lodge your visa application online.
The following documents are typically required for your student visa application:
Policy Update: From January 1, 2025, student visa applications made within Australia will require a CoE instead of just an offer letter. Make sure you have your CoE ready before applying.
Log in to your ImmiAccount and complete the student visa application form. You'll need to answer questions about your personal details, education history, and intended stay in Australia.
The current base application fee for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is AUD $710 (as of March 2023). Additional charges may apply for dependents included in your application.
You may be required to undergo a health examination. The system will notify you if this is necessary after you submit your application.
Visa processing times vary, but you should allow at least 4-6 weeks. You can check the status of your application through your ImmiAccount.
Tip: Apply for your visa as early as possible, ideally at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. This allows time for any unexpected delays or requests for additional information.
Once your visa is granted, you'll receive a notification email with your visa grant number. Here's what you need to do next:
Important: Breaching visa conditions may result in your visa being cancelled. Make sure you understand and comply with all conditions.
Processing times vary depending on your country of origin and the complexity of your application. The Australian Department of Home Affairs aims to process 75% of applications within 6 weeks and 90% within 3 months. However, it's recommended to apply at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date.
Yes, you can travel to Australia up to 90 days before your course starts, depending on your CoE date. However, we recommend arriving 1-2 weeks before orientation to give yourself time to settle in, arrange accommodation, and complete any required on-campus registrations.
The GTE requirement is an assessment that ensures you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for your study. Your GTE statement should explain why you want to study in Australia, why you've chosen UNSW and your specific course, and how this education will benefit your future in your home country.
Yes, you can include certain family members (spouse/de facto partner and dependent children) in your student visa application, or they can apply for a Student Dependent visa later. Additional fees and financial requirements apply for each dependent. All family members will need to meet health and character requirements.
Need help? If you have specific questions about your visa application, contact UNSW International Student Advisors at international.student@unsw.edu.au or call +61 2 9385 5333.