Student Visa for Australia: How Pakistani Students Can Study Abroad
Australia is famous for its standard education systems, the multicultural nations and high standard of living. Students, who would like to study in Australia coming from Pakistan need to apply for Student Visa (Subclass 500) to allow full time study in the endorsed educational institution. The guide will help Pakistani students who are willing to study in Australia as it has explained the whole process of studying in Australia.
- What is the Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
Student visa (subclass 500) enable stay in Australia during course period with opportunities for part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and full-time during term break. This visa can be up to five years’ duration depending on the course being studied.
Key Benefits of Student Visa:
- Study at recognized institutions: Pakistani students can enroll themselves in any CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)-registered institution.
- Work during study: Students can work as part-timers while studying to help meet their expenses.
- Post-study work opportunities: After completion of studies, Pakistani students can apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). This visa allows them to stay and work in Australia temporarily.
- Requirements for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
To apply for the Australian Student Visa, Pakistani students must fulfil criteria based on academic, language, financial, and health.
- a) Offer of Admission
You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution request by the deadline. The letter is given as the CoE by the institution in confirming your admission to an eligible course.
- b) English Language Proficiency
The internet based TOEFL, or the IELTS or PTE Academic tests are compulsory to show that they have adequate English language proficiency. The required score depends on the course level and institution, but typically:
- Undergraduate programs: IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or equivalent.
- Postgraduate programs: IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 or equivalent.
- c) Financial Capacity
You should prove that you have sufficient funds to cover: n
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travelling cost
Alternatively, one can also show proof of financial support from a parent, sponsor, or scholarship.
- d) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is necessary during your stay as a student in Australia. This insurance helps cover medical and hospital expenses in Australia.
- e) Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
First, you are required to meet GTE, showing that your purpose of visit is education and after completion of studies you intend to go back to Pakistan.
- f) Health and Character Checks
- Medical Examination: A health check is required must pass the health check to ensure that applicants comply with Australian government’s minimum health standards.
- Character Check: You also need to pass character requirements for which you need to attach a Police Clearance Certificate.
- How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa from Pakistan
Below is a step-by-step guide on how students from Pakistan can apply for Subclass 500 Visa:
Step 1: Select a Course and Institution
- Select a course from a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia.
- Make sure that the course meets your educational and career goals.
Step 2: Submitting Application to the Institution
- During the application, you have to submit every mandatory document including academic transcript, results of an English competency test, ID documents etc.
- After being accepted you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) which is compulsory for visa processing.
Step 3: Creation of an Immi Account
- Go to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs and begin an Immi Account. This is where you will go to apply for your visa online.
Step 4: Gathering Required Documents
Before submission of your visa application, ensure that you have the following documents:
- CoE from the Australian institution.
- Valid Passport (your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay).
- Proof of financial capacity.
- Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS results).
- Proof of OSHC coverage.
- GTE statement.
- Health and character certificates.
Step 5: Submit the Visa Application
- You are required to complete online visa application by following step wise process through Immi Account. Ensure that all the information you provided is accurate and submit all the required documents as per check list.
- You will have to pay the visa application fee.
Step 6: Provision Biometrics and Medical Exams
Applicants are required to provide biometric (finger prints) and photo at a cost after filing the application and the medical examination at an approved panel doctor.
Step 7: Waiting for Visa Decision
On visa processing time, it is usually a one and a half to two months for student visa applications. You can also check your status of your application through Immi Account.
- Cost of Studying in Australia
Tuition fees for education in Australia differ from course to course, institution to institution and region to region. Here’s an approximate breakdown of expenses:
- a) Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate Courses: AUD 20,000–45,000 per year
- Postgraduate Courses: AUD 22,000–50,000 per year
- b) Living Expenses
According to Department of Home Affairs, a student needs around AUD 24,505 per year in lieu of living costs. This covers food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses.
- c) Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) cost varies but usually lies between AUD 500 to AUD 600 per year for a single student.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
The Pakistani students will be allowed to work in Australia for 2-4 years depending on the level of their studies after they complete their courses from Australia through Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Through this visa, the country allows students to get appropriate work experience after they complete their studies.
- Graduate Work Stream: For graduates with skills related to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Post-Study Work Stream: For students who undertook a degree from an Australian institution, the student will be permitted to remain in Australia for up to a period of 4 years depending with his or her qualification
- Why Study in Australia?
- Universities in Australia have a high reputation for academic achievement and research activity all over the world. Some of the top universities in Australia include:
- The University of Melbourne
- The Australian National University (ANU)
- The University of Sydney
- The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- The University of Queensland (UQ)
The highlighted universities are previously ranked in the QS World University Rankings, and offer, up-to-date facilities, effective teaching method, and networking around the world.
