Australia has a reputation for providing quality education with qualifications being recognized worldwide. Australia is also a multicultural society which readily welcomes students from throughout the world. The provision of education programs to overseas students is an area of growth in Australia. Students studying in Australia are provided with:

• Recognized education qualifications at the successful conclusion of their studies.
• A safe and affordable environment.
• Education bodies throughout Australia have specific courses and assistance catering to foreign students as part of their administrative and educational function.
• A great many courses available ranging from short English language courses to high level degree studies.

The following guidelines have been produced to assist individuals in identifying the range of visas available. It is not a definitive list of any one visas' requirements. These requirements can be complex and require the assistance of Migration Agent.

There are a range of student visas open to prospective applicants. Most student visas have English language and financial support requirements. These visa criteria will vary depending on which country the student comes from.

Prospective students can apply for a student visa whilst in Australia where they already have a different type of visa or from outside Australia. Students who complete a course of study may not automatically be eligible for another student visa. Migration advice should be taken it there is an intention to apply for a second course after completing a first course. Under some circumstances students who successfully complete a course of studies will be eligible to apply for other visas and eventually may obtain permanent residency.

Two of the more popular visas Student Visas applicants are currently changing to are the Provisional Regional Skill visa and the permanent residency Independent Skill Visa. But please take note: Visa conditions periodically change. If you do a course of study with the intention that at the conclusion of this study you will apply for a permanent visa - you may be disappointed and find that that qualification does not allow you to change to the permanent residency visa or any other type of visa.

General conditions of the Student Visa: Students are also expected to meet attendance requirements and pass the courses they are studying in order to remain eligible to remain in Australia. Only full time courses of study recognized by government authorities are acceptable.

Prospective students are expected to be self sufficient financially although there is provision once studies have commenced for the student to apply for permission to obtain part time employment where hardship can be demonstrated. The permission to work part time is not an automatic entitlement. Application must be approved by the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

When the student application is assessed the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs will assess the application according to various criteria. This criteria is subject to frequent amendment.

Generally the criteria include financial ability to pay for the course, travel, health insurance and accommodation, ability to maintain the student whilst in Australia and care of any accompanying family members. The applicant unless attending an English course will require a English ability, both written and spoken.

Previous studies, employment history and whether this past background is consistent with the course of studies to be undertaken.

The circumstances of the student's country of origin are taken into consideration and the possible risks of students not returning to their home country are assessed. You will need to contact Noel Hewitt Associates LLC to determine the requirements needs to meet.

Types of Student Visas:

• Independent ELICOS Sector (Short Duration English Tuition)
• Schools Sector (Students studying at High School)
• Vocational Education and Training Sector (Trade Training and Work related courses)
• Higher Education Sector (Degree level studies)
• Masters and Doctorate Sector
• Non-award Foundation /Other Sector
• AusAID or Defence Sector.

** Noel Hewitt Associates provides professional advice concerning criteria which are complex and subject to frequent change. Applicants may have difficulty in obtaining their visas if they fail to meet criteria and time deadlines.

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