Most international students will be required to apply for a student visa to study in Australia. There are some exceptions for short term studies that are less than 3 months in duration, where you may be able to study on a tourist visa.
Student visa applicants will generally apply for a subclass 500 student visa in the Vocational Education and Training Sector. If you are applying for a packaged course with a university after completing your course at The Gordon, you will apply for a subclass 500 visa in the Higher Education Sector. If you are applying through an agent, they will be able to assist you with the process and advise you on the GTE requirements.
You should be aware of the visa processing times and ensure that you lodge a valid student visa application with sufficient time for the visa to be granted. Details of global visa processing times for student visas can be found on the Department of Home Affairs webpage.
You need to allow at least 46 days for a visa application to be approved.
All student visa applicants will be required to provide evidence of financial capacity and English language requirements (even students who The Gordon exempts from English language entry requirements, except students from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia).
You will need to have enough money that is genuinely available to you to pay for your school fees, travel costs and living expenses for you and any accompanying family members while you are in Australia. You will need to show:
- Evidence of funds to cover travel to Australia and 12 months living, course and schooling costs for any school-aged dependants you may have.
- Evidence that you (or your financial sponsor) meets the annual income requirement
A list of eligibility requirements and detailed instructions about how to apply for your student visa can be found on the Department of Home Affairs webpage.