About this Visa

This visa is for professional academics to visit Australia on a temporary basis, to observe or participate in an Australian research project at an Australian tertiary or research institution. You must not receive remuneration other than a contribution towards living and travel expenses. You must be sponsored and nominated by an Australian tertiary or research institution for this visa.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for professional academics from overseas who, because of a significant record of achievement in their field, have been sponsored by an Australian tertiary or research institution to come to Australia to observe or participate in an Australian research project.

It is not appropriate for academics who will be involved in teaching/lecturing in Australia, or for students, including PhD students who want to undertake research in Australia that is credited towards an award or qualification in their home country. It is also not an appropriate visa for recent PhD graduates who are not currently employed as professional academics or researchers and cannot demonstrate experience as such.
See: How this Visa Works

Note: From 14 September, people wanting to enter Australia under the terms of a bilateral agreement are provided for by the Government Agreement Visa (subclass 406).
See: Government Agreement Visa (Subclass 406)

How much will this visa cost?

You must pay a non-refundable visa application charge when you lodge your visa application.
See: Specialist Entry Visa Charges

What does this visa let me do?

With this visa you can:

• collaborate with other academics in Australian research projects
• stay in Australia for as long as your visa is valid
• bring any eligible secondary applicants with you to Australia
• leave and enter Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid.