Student Visa Definitions

De facto partner

A person is the de facto partner of another person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) if:

• they have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
• the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
• they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis and they are not related by family.

For an application for a Student visa the de facto relationship must have existed for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of application.

Dependent child

The child or stepchild of yourself or your partner who has not turned 18 and is not married, engaged to be married or in a de facto relationship.

Eligible family members

Your partner and your partner's dependent children.

Fully funded student

A student whose travel, tuition and living expenses are paid by one of the following:

• the Australian Government or an Australian state or territory government
• the government of a foreign country
• a provincial or state government of a foreign country (with the written support of the national government)
• a multilateral agency
  Examples: United Nations, World Bank or Asian Development Bank or an organisation gazetted by the Minister.

Spouse

A person is the spouse of another person if the two people are in a marriage that is legally valid in Australia and:

• they have a mutual commitment to a shared life as husband and wife to the exclusion of all others
• the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
• they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis.

Partner

A partner is your spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners).