How to Apply

Outside Australia

To apply for your first student visa:

• you and your family members can apply by post or in person
• you and your family members can apply online through a migration agent if you are a citizen of:
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • The People’s Republic of China.

See: Electronic Lodgement Trial for Assessment Level 2-4 Applicants

To renew your or your family members’ current student visa:

• You can apply online, by post or in person
• You cannot apply to renew online more than 124 days (4 months) before your course starts
• A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

In Australia

To apply for your first student visa:

• you must have exceptional reasons why the visa should be granted
  

To renew your or your family members' current student visa:

• You can apply online, by post or in person
• You cannot apply to renew online more than 93 days (3 months) before your course starts
• There are no time restrictions for students applying for a further Student visa in Australia by post or in person, however applications made more than 93 days in advance of the course commencement date will be carefully assessed and may be refused if a decision-maker considers the applicant is unlikely to be a genuine student
• A family member cannot apply online separately from the student. They can apply separately by post or in person.

See:
Online Applications
Applying by post or in person

Students under 18 years applying in Australia

You can only apply online for a student visa in Australia if your education provider has undertaken to approve your welfare arrangements. If your parent, legal custodian or suitable relative is providing welfare arrangements you will need to lodge a paper application with the department.
See: Student under 18 years of age - additional requirements

After you lodge your application

Information about what happens after you lodge your application.
See: After You Have Lodged Your Application

More Information

If you have read all of the available information for this visa, and still need help, contact the department.
See: Contact Us - Student Visa Enquiries