Students Category
In 2004, there were approximately 200,000 overseas students enrolled in Australian schools, colleges and Universities. 23,000 students were in ELICOS courses. Many of these students remain in Australia when they graduate and become part of our skilled workforce.
Students who complete a course of study in Australia can apply for Australian permanent residency under the Skilled Migration Category. Over approximately 60% of Skilled Migration Visas awarded in 2002-03 were granted to Graduate Students.
Australia provides a unique kind of education and a learning style that encourages you to be innovative, creative and think independently. Australia attracts a large number of international students. In some countries Australia is the students' first choice study destination.
Australia offers excellent value for money and a standard of living which is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA.
Your passport country and course of study determines your assessment level. For first time offshore applicants as a guide we have addressed Assesment Level 3.
Visa Options
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Applies to stand-alone English language courses that lead to a certificate I, II, III or IV, or that result in no formal Australian award.
Primary or secondary school course
Applies to primary, junior secondary or senior secondary school courses, and approved secondary school exchange programs.
Vocational education and training
Applies to Certificates I, II, III or IV (except ELICOS), diploma, advanced diploma, vocational graduate certificate or vocational graduate diploma courses.
Higher education
Applies to a Bachelor degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or Masters by coursework.
Postgraduate research
Applies to Masters by research or a doctoral degree.
Non-award
Applies to non-award foundation studies, or other full-time courses or components of courses not leading to an Australian award.
AusAID and Defence
Applies to students sponsored by AusAID or the Australian Department of Defence undertaking full-time courses of any type.
Student Guardians
Parents or relatives can apply for a visa to stay in Australia as the guardian of a student who is studying in Australia.
The contents of this page are necessarily an abbreviated overview of a very detailed subject. The situation may change as the law can alter quickly and we therefore strongly recommend that you take professional advice about your personal circumstances before placing any reliance on the contents of the website. Contact us to let us know your situation and we will be happy to provide a telephone appraisal without charge.