Australia has some of the world’s best-ranked universities. According to the QS World University Ranking report for 2020, the country has eight of the country’s 300 top-ranking universities in the world.

The country offers a wide range of courses in a variety of subjects. The tuition fees here are affordable compared to the UK and the US. Students in Australian universities are eligible for a post-study work permit valid for up to four years. This can act as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Australian universities are known for their high standards and quality of instruction. Their degrees are recognized all over the world. Another advantage of studying in Australia is the low cost of living compared to other countries. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) when they are studying which will help them meet part of the tuition fees. They also have access to scholarships which can lower their costs of doing a course.

Many students opt to study in Australia because its growing economy promises good job opportunities once students complete their course.

Compared to other countries, it is easier to get a student visa for Australia. Students wanting to study in Australia must meet certain requirements to qualify for a visa. Once you are enrolled in a full-time study course you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.

With the Student visa (Subclass 500) visa, the visa holder can:

• Enroll in a course participate in an eligible course of study
• Bring family members to Australia
• Apply for the visa online in or outside Australia
• Travel to and from the country
• Work for up to 40 hours every two weeks once your course starts

The duration of the via is for five years, you can apply for an extension.

Before you submit your visa application ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. The processing time for your visa is usually four weeks. You can apply for the visa 124 days before the start of your course and you can travel to the country 90 days before the commencement of your course.

If you have any dependents, they can apply for the same Subclass 500 visa. Even if they may not come with you immediately, you must declare your dependents in your visa application. Otherwise, they may not be eligible for a dependent visa later.

Step 1: Before you even submit your application, you must first gather the required documents.

Step 2: The documents you must submit are proof of your identity, character, and other documents that prove that you have fulfilled the visa conditions.

Step 3: Apply for the visa online.

Step 4: You will be notified by the authorities that they have received your visa application.

Step 5:  You will be notified of the outcome of your visa application.

Decide how you want to apply

Australia provides multiple options when you want to apply for a university. The application can be made:

• Directly by you through the university’s website
• By a local university
• By an external agent

You can decide how you want to apply by using the most suitable option.

If English is not your native language, then you need to take an English language proficiency test. You need to take the IELTS test and keep the results of the tests ready when you are making your visa application.

Once you are selected for a course, you will receive an offer letter from the college. You will have to give a written confirmation accepting the offer and pay the tuition fees. Subsequent to this you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment or CoE. This document is required to process your visa application.