Student visa information

Applying for a student visa

To apply for a student visa you (or your education agent) need to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) document and submit it with your complete student visa application. If you do not provide a complete visa application including your CoE and other required documentation at time of lodgement it may result in your visa application being delayed or refused.

An education agent may help you prepare a student visa application or apply online. If you applied to the University through an education agent, your agent must lodge your visa application on your behalf. 

To lodge a complete application for prompt assessment, refer to the Department of Home Affairs visa application steps.

Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF)

The Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) applies Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) to all students and all programs. Under SSVF, evidentiary requirements is based on the combined immigration risk of your country of citizenship and the education provider.

To identify the documents you will be required to submit with your visa application, use Home Affairs document checklist tool. 

You must demonstrate in your student visa application that you are:

• a geniune student, whose primary purpose is sto study at the University of South Australia; and
• able to financial support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your studies in Australia.

Student visa applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount and must be complete at the time of lodgement. This includes a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and all supporting documentation. Please ensure that you answer all questions carefully and avoid generic statements. More information is available on Home Affairs website. 

You will also need to meet Home Affairs Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) and Home Affairs may request additional information and/or interview you at their discretion.

Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)

You must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) that you are a Genuine Student.

Home Affairs may ask you to provide more information or to attend an interview in order to determine whether you meet the criteria for grant of a visa. However, a decision may be made solely on the information provided in your application. You must therefore ensure that you:

• answer all questions carefully and avoid generic statements; and
• lodge a complete application together with all supporting documentation. 

English Language Requirement

In addition to meeting the University's english language requirement, you must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) english language requirement for your student visa application. Home Affairs recently updated this requirement, from 23 March 2024:

• The minimum score required for a student visa increased from an IELTS test score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent)
• The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS increased from an IELTS test score of 4.5 to 5.0 (or its equivalent)
• The minimum score required for students undertaking a university foundation or pathway program that deliver reputable English language training will be 4.5 (or equivalent)

For more information, refer to Home Affairs website.

Family (dependants)

If you intend to bring family members with you to Australia, you should first check with your nearest Australian Visa Office whether your visa allows for this. While you are in Australia, you will be responsible for supporting any dependants (i.e. family members).

If you are bringing your children to Australia, you must provide evidence that you are arranging for them to attend school. Tuition fees must be paid for school age dependants who study in Australia.

For more information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

Under 18 years of age - Welfare arrangements

If you are under 18 years of age and you will not be living with a parent, legal guardian or a nominated eligible relative who is over the age of 21 years in Australia, you must get University approval for your accommodation and welfare arrangements.

You will need to apply and be accepted to live at a residence approved by the University for the period of time you are under 18. You will not be allowed to change your accommodation without the prior approval of the University.

You must have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements organised before you lodge a student visa application. Once you have appropriate accommodation arranged we can issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare letter (CAAW) with your CoE.

If you are under 18 years of age please read and complete the Under 18 - Acceptance and Accommodation Form.

For more information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.