Australian student visa information
- Obtaining an Australian Student Visa
- Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA)
- Conditions of an Australian Student Visa
- Current Australian Student Visa holders
- Prospective Permanent Residents of Australia
- Guardianship
Obtaining an Australian Student Visa
Once you have accepted and paid (and, if needed obtained a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) and/or Guardianship) an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) will be sent to the Australian High Commission, Consulate, Embassy or Diplomatic Post nominated in your Acceptance. A copy will also be sent to you or your agent to include with your Australian Student Visa application.
A range of conditions may affect how you apply for an Australian Student Visa. Some students will be able to apply for their Australian Student Visa on-line, others will be required to submit a paper application. Medical examinations and other documentation may also be required.
Please note that if you do not have an appropriate visa you cannot enrol at the University of Sydney.
Please consult the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for further information.
Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA)
Depending on your country of citizenship and course, you may be required to apply for a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) prior to accepting a Firm Offer. A PVA should be sought immediately as it can take 6 weeks or longer to obtain. Please contact the nearest Australian High Commission or Consulate for details or visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Evidence of your PVA approval should be forwarded to your Admissions Officer.
Conditions of an Australian Student Visa
Some of the mandatory conditions of your Australian Student Visa include:
Full-time Study
International students in Australia must maintain full-time enrolment at the University of Sydney in each semester.
The only exceptions are:
1. You are in your final semester and are required to take additional units to complete your course; or
2. You are in Australia on a different type of visa that permits part-time study i.e. does not include condition 8202; or
3. You are a cross-institutional student who is enrolled full-time at your home institution; or
4. You are in an approved program of study involving joint delivery by two separate institutions
You must attend classes in each semester of your course. If you are not in attendance, the University will be required to advise DIAC and your Australian Student Visa may be cancelled.
Employment in Australia
While on an Australian Student Visa, you can work no more than 20 hours per week during semester, however you may work full-time during the official University vacations. Please note: DIAC strictly enforces this rule.
Satisfactory Progress
Australian student visa holders must achieve academic results that are determined by the education provider to be “at least satisfactory”. The University makes this determination at the end of each semester.
Residential Address
As an Australian Student Visa holder you must notify your education provider of your residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia. You must also keep your address details up to date throughout your enrolment. If you change your address, record it as soon as possible.
Current Australian Student Visa holders
If you currently hold an Australian Student Visa for another course you will be required to apply for another visa for your new course. Please submit your application for a new visa to the Australian High Commission, Consulate, Embassy or Diplomatic Post that you nominated in your Acceptance.
More information about Australian Student Visas can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Prospective Permanent Residents of Australia
If you are granted permanent residency, you MUST inform the International Student Office in person immediately as this may significantly affect your status at the University of Sydney.
IMPORTANT Information for students who have applied for or obtained an Australian Permanent Resident visa.
Guardianship
If you will be under 18 years of age when you arrive in Australia, you will need to demonstrate that appropriate guardianship arrangements have been made. For further information, please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).