Temporary Residence | Family Stream | Business Visas | General Skilled Migration Visa | Student Visa The Australian student visa programme allows for the entry of overseas students who wish to undertake full-time study in registered courses in Australia. Does the course I wish to study have to be approved by the government? You can be granted a student visa only if you wish to undertake a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis. A registered course is an education or training course offered by an Australian education provider who is registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students. You cannot apply if your course of study is not conducted by an approved education provider. Whatever your course of study, or country of citizenship, you must meet the following basic requirements: adequate health insurance no debts to the Commonwealth good character, and if you are under 18 years of age - additional requirements. Does my study have to be full time? Yes, generally you will have to also prove that you have been accepted to a full-time course of study. You can do this by showing your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which your chosen school will send you. Please note that if you are planning to study for less than three months, you do not need to apply for a student visa. You can study for a maximum of three months on a Visitor visa or Working Holiday visa. If you intend to study for more than three months, you must apply for a Student visa. There are many advantages in applying for a Student visa, because visitor visas provide you with fewer rights and opportunities. If you are studying on a Visitor visa you: do not have access to Australia's subsidised student health cover, are not able to study for more than three months, are generally not able to change status to an overseas student in Australia, and do not have permission to work. Can I work while I study? Students are not automatically granted permission to work in Australia. You may apply for work permission once you have begun your studies. There are restrictions on the amount of time you may work when school is in session, generally no more than 20 hours per week. Please be aware that there are very strict cancellation provisions for students who do not comply with their visa conditions. How can I extend my stay in Australia? Students can extend their stay in Australia by applying for a new visa before your current visa expires. If you wish to continue your studies, you must apply for a new student visa. If you wish to attend your graduation ceremony, you should apply for a visitor visa. However, if you wish to simply have a holiday in Australia after your studies have finished, and you do not have a "No Further Stay," condition on your current student visa, you may apply for a visitor visa.