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​Study Online Australia blog

Studying on a Student Visa in Australia: your Student Visa questions answered

1/25/2021

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With its world-famous beaches, surf culture and coffee; it's no wonder people flock from different corners of the globe to study in Australia. 

But it’s easy to soon feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information at our fingertips. Thankfully, Study Online Australia has answered the most common questions aspiring students ask our expert team.

From student visa costs to the documents you’ll need to apply, find out everything you need to know below.
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Image by @brookecagle

What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?

In order to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in Australia, you must tick the below requirements (please note: the full list of requirements is individually based on each applicant and the college/university you choose):  

  • Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover
  • A certified copy of your passport
  • A certified copy of your current job and/or professional work experience 
  • List of family details
  • A certified copy of your academic transcripts, qualifications or a letter from your Australian or overseas educational institution 
  • Proof of financial resources 
  • Proof of English level if required
  • Relevant travel information
  • Intentions about living arrangements and all questions related to the student visa application must be true 

For further information on what you need to apply for a student visa in Australia, visit our student blog.

How much does a student visa cost?

A Student Visa Subclass 500 in Australia costs $630 for a primary applicant (from July 1st 2020). You must also take into consideration the additional cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and accompanying family members. 

Additional fees which may occur are listed below:

  • For an additional applicant who is over 18-years-old and is included in the same student visa application, there is an additional applicant charge of $470.

  • For an additional application who is under 18-years-old, there is an additional applicant charge of $155.

  • If your current visa has been lodged within Australia, there is a subsequent temporary application charge of $700. This fee applies to every applicant.

If you apply for your student visa with Study Online Australia, our expert team will organise OSHC for you. 

We work closely with nib which offers competitive prices and an instant insurance certificate with your student visa lodgement. You can find up-to-date OSHC costs on our website. ​
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Image by @anete_lusina

How long is a student visa in Australia?

The length of your student visa depends upon the course you intend to study and additional time may be granted at the end of your studies depending on its length. Note, you can only extend your studies in Australia if long as your visa does not state ‘No Further Stay’. 

We recommend allowing at least three months to research your options and you must lodge your application before your current visa expires. 

The maximum length of stay for a student visa does not usually exceed 5 years. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Our experienced education counsellors will explain your entry requirements, the enrolment process and assist with your student visa application.
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Image by @simonrae

Is it easy to get a student visa in Australia?

Aspiring students dreaming of living down under need to meet the set of entry requirements in order to qualify for a student visa. 

Can I bring my family to Australia on a student visa?

The Department of Home Affairs allows certain students to bring their immediate family members (dependents) with them to Australia. 

This may include your spouse, de facto partner (whom you have been living with for a minimum of 12 months) or children under the age of 18. 

It’s important to bear in mind that work rights granted for the dependent partner will depend on the course of study chosen. You must declare all members of your family on your student visa application. 
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Image by @youxventures

What is the best course for PR (permanent residency)?

A large number of international students fall in love with Australia and want to gain permanent residency (PR). In order to live and work here permanently, the most common ways are via Skilled Migration, State Nomination or Employer Nomination.

The list of occupations which are prioritised by the government can change at any time so it’s wise to choose a course which has PR prospects and will continue to be in demand over the coming years. 

For instance, the most sought-after courses are often related to the following: Education, Computer and Information Technology, Nursing and Construction. 

We highly recommend seeking legal advice from a registered MARA agent who will be able to assess your personal situation. Alternatively, you can contact Home Affairs for support. As a registered student visa education agency, we specialise in giving advice on the student visa application process..

You can find up-to-date information on cheap courses in Australia on our website.

How long does it take to get a student visa in Australia?

Student visa processing times in Australia can vary but it is highly recommended that you start preparing the appropriate documents three months in advance.

If your current visa is expiring and you would like to extend your stay in Australia, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for free advice.

Can I apply for a student visa in Australia on my own?

You can apply for a student visa in Australia on your own but it’s highly recommended that you seek professional help. Study Online Australia is a registered student visa online education agency in Australia and has successfully helped hundreds of international students from around the world. 

Our expert team can help to find the right course for you and will assist with your documents, GTE letter and eventual enrolment. The best part? You don’t pay anything for our services, we’re fully funded.
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Image by @heylagostechie

Is it easy for international students to get a job in Australia?

Studying in Australia gives students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand their skills and experience. In turn, this can lead to greater job prospects.  

Head over to our guide on working in Australia for top tips on writing a resume and for Student Visa Subclass 500 work conditions.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team for free advice and support. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia. ​
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International Student Visa Pre-departure Guide For International Students Coming To Australia

1/14/2021

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Image by @paul_nic

What to do before you leave Australia

Your student visa has been granted, hoorah! 

You’re about to embark on the biggest adventure of your life and our handy pre-departure guide will make sure you’re all ready to go. 

From the documents you’ll need at the airport to what you should prioritise once you touch down, we’re rounded up everything you need to know before catching your flight.

Make sure your passport is in date


This is undoubtedly one of the most crucial items to pack first. It’s recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months. 
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Make printed copies of your passport and visa

It’s a good idea to make two printed copies of your passport and visa. Bring one copy with you and leave on with someone trustworthy at home. 

This will safeguard you from any problems if you lose the original copies.

Covid-19 and the border requirements
​

All passengers arriving by air into Australia should complete the Digital Passenger Declaration(DPD). You can start your DPD seven days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before your departure for Australia. This is because you must provide health information and declaration (vaccination status and if required COVID-19 test result) within 72 hours before flight. 
IMPORTANT: Always check check for updated information prior arrival to Australia on the Department of Home Affairs website. 


Book your flights and check your airlines COVID-19 requirements on all flights

Once your student visa has been granted, you can finally book your flights (this is our favourite step, too!). 
​

If possible, try to arrive at least one to two weeks before orientation in order to allow time to settle in, meet people and overcome jet lag.
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Image by @danedeaner
Organise airport pickup

You may decide to take a taxi or public transport from the airport to your accommodation. If not, it’s a good idea to organise airport pickup before arriving in Australia.
 

Make sure you have a printed copy of the address of your accommodation to hand in case of any issues.

Contact your bank

You must tell your current bank that you are travelling overseas. This will ensure that you can withdraw and transfer funds until you can set up an Australian bank account.
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Image by @hannahbusing
Exchange money

There are money exchange offices in Australian airports but it’s highly recommended that you have the correct currency to hand before leaving your home country. This will save both time and money.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends students bring approximately AUD $500 to cover food and temporary accommodation costs when you first arrive. Australia accepts most major debit and credit cards.

Make a list of emergency contacts


It’s a good idea to make a list of emergency contacts before leaving for Australia. This may include members of your family, friends, accommodation and your education provider. 

If you have used an education agent such as Study Online Australia, it’s recommended that you keep their details on you in case you need help or support during your stay. 
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Image by @linkedinsalesnavigator
Create a folder for your important documentation

It’s highly recommended that you pack a folder of important documentation before travelling.
This may include the below:
​
  • Valid passport with student visa attached
  • Confirmation of Enrolment issued by education provider
  • Original or certified copies of academic scripts and qualifications 
  • Other identification documents i.e. your birth certificate or driving licence
  • Work documents i.e. your resume, work references and certificates
  • Details of pre-arranged accommodation 
  • Important medical records and/or prescriptions
Keep in touch with family and friends

Make sure to keep your family and/or friends up to date with your journey. Let them know once you have arrived safely.

What to do once you arrive in Australia

Open an Australian bank account

One of the first things you should prioritise upon arrival is opening an Australian bank account. 

The most common Australian banks are listed below:

  • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ)
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
  • St George Bank
  • Westpac Banking Corporation

Bank hours vary but most operate between 9am - 5pm and are closed on Sundays. ATMs remain open 24 hours a day and many banks offer cardless cash in case of emergencies. 

Important: please be careful and look after your personal belongings if accessing cash from an ATM at night. 

To open a bank account, you may need the following:

  • Your passport (with arrival date stamped by Australian immigration)
  • Your student ID card or Confirmation of Enrolment(s) from your education provider
  • Money to deposit into the account 
  • Your Tax File Number (TFN)
  • A copy of your visa grant letter 

Check out our handy guide on how to open a bank account in Australia for further information.
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Image by @claybanks
Purchase an Australian SIM card

Another top priority within your first few days is purchasing an Australian SIM card so that you can text and make calls abroad with ease.

You can find a list of Australian mobile phone providers on our website.  

Apply for a TFN and/or ABN number 

If you are planning on working and living in Australia for more than six months, you are considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. To commence work, you must apply for a TFN number through the Australian Tax Office. 

You will also be required to lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year (June 30). Any income tax deductions made by your employer will be returned if you earned less than $18,200 in one year. 
  
If you are freelance, you will need to apply for an ABN number through the Australian Tax Office.  

You can find further information on how to get a job in Australia on our blog.
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Image by @daugirl
Organise extra OSHC cover

OSHC can be organised on your behalf by Study Online Australia. But it is your responsibility to understand what this does and does not cover. 

If you would like to protect yourself for future dental, optical or physiotherapy treatments then it is up to you to organise additional private health insurance. There is the option to purchase extra packages on nib.

Check out our handy OSHC guide for further information.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia. 
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Superannuation: Guide for International Students in Australia

1/6/2021

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@windows
International students are busy. When they don’t have their heads in books, they’re making friends from around the world, working different jobs and exploring their new home. 

So it’s not surprising that a large number of students don’t know much about superannuation when touching down in Australia.
​ 

From who is entitled to setting up a fund to claiming your money after leaving the country, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about superannuation below.

What is superannuation?

Superannuation, commonly referred to as ‘super’, is a way of saving money for retirement in Australia. If you are working a certain number of hours for your employer, you may qualify for a super contribution from your workplace.

Am I entitled to a super fund?

If your monthly wage is more than AU$450 before tax, your employer must contribute an additional sum of 9.5% of your wage into a super account on your behalf. This applies to full-time, part-time and some casual employees. 

You have a legal right to ask your employer if your wage includes superannuation. You can find out more about the Australian tax system on our website. ​

Where can I find my super fund?

If you have worked for several different employers, you may have more than one super account. In order to find your super, use the DASP online application system or contact the Australian Tax Office.  

Can I claim my superannuation after leaving Australia?

Whilst you are living in Australia, your superannuation contributions must stay in your fund. 
​

You may be able to claim your super after you leave the country if you meet the below requirements:

  • You were in Australia on an eligible temporary resident visa 
  • Your employer made contributions to your super while you were living in Australia
  • You have left Australia and your temporary visa has expired
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@simonraes

Can I access my superannuation early?

Temporary residents in Australia were able to draw up to $10,000 out of their superannuation as part of Covid-19 early release. The deadline for applications ended on 31 December 2020 though payments will continue to be processed well into January 2021 for those who made the cut-off date.
​

If you missed the application deadline, you may still be able to withdraw some of your super on other compassionate grounds. 

Visit the Australian Tax Office online for further information.

How to take out your superannuation

If you worked and earned super while visiting Australia on a temporary visa and meet the requirements, you can apply to draw out your fund once you have left the country. 

This is known as DASP (departing Australia superannuation payment). 

  • Before beginning the application process, make sure to ask your employer to confirm that they have paid all of the super they are required to.

  • You may be required to provide certified documents for your DASP application. We highly recommend getting your personal documents and ID certified in Australia before leaving the country to make the process easier.

  • You must claim DASP within six months after you left Australia. After this window, your visa has ceased to be in effect. If you do not claim DASP before the six month period is up, your super fund will be transferred to the ATO as unclaimed money.
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@wildlittlethingsphoto

How to authorise someone to claim superannuation on your behalf 

You can authorise someone else to apply for DASP on your behalf. 

You can nominate the following:

  • A tax agent with full registration or conditional tax agent registration with the Tax Practitioner Board for the purpose of claiming DASP
  • A representative if you use a DASP paper form

The nominated person will be authorised to update your information and act on your behalf so think carefully about who you choose to represent you.

If successful, your superannuation will be paid within 28 days of receipt unless you are required to provide further documentation. 

You can learn more about DASP on the official Australian government website. 

If you have any questions about superannuation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia.
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