Why I chose to apply for my student visa with Study Online Australia

After visiting (read: falling in love with) Sydney on a working holiday visa, I knew that I wanted to continue exploring this beautiful city. I had always hoped to pursue further study one day and felt the time was finally right to tick it off the bucket list.

The next step? Applying for a student visa.

But after countless nights spent scouring the internet for answers, I soon realised that I didn’t even know where to begin. Enter: Study Online Australia.

A close friend recommended that I get in touch with company director Pavla Hannan who has more than 13 years experience in helping aspiring students to find the right course and visa for them.

Pavla listened to the skills and learning experience I wanted to gain from my studies and helped me to find a course best suited to my career goals and budget.

Danielle chose to study IV Certificate in Marketing at International House Sydney

I’ll be the first to admit that I was surprised by how quick and hassle-free the process was. Pavla was always on the other end of the phone to answer any of my questions - no matter how big or small. She proofread my Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement and made sure that I included all of the information I needed to secure a spot on the course of my choice. 

Now, I’m happily studying Marketing and Communication at IH Business College in Sydney and have made some brilliant friends along the way. 

If like me you’ve made the exciting decision to study in Australia but don’t know where to begin, look no further than Study Online Australia. Here’s why.

Why should I use an education agent to apply for a student visa in Australia?

Although a large number of educational institutions across Australia accept direct applications, more than 80% of both on and offshore international students decide to go through an education agent. 

The reason why is simple. 

Having someone to guide you through the process eliminates the risk of making any mistakes in your application. Education agents tend to have been international students before themselves so can help you to make the best decision with up-to-date information on courses, timetables, prices and visa changes.

Why should I choose Study Online Australia?

When applying for a student visa in Australia, it’s best to talk to someone who has been in your shoes. Pavla at Study Online Australia has over a decade of experience in helping international students from all over the world to find the right course and visa for them.

Having moved out here to study herself, Pavla is well-versed in the entire process and will hold your hand through everything from reviewing and providing feedback about your GTE statement to enrolling on the course of your choice. 

Below, find a list of the brilliant ways in which Study Online Australia can help you to secure a student visa:

• Study Online Australia will send through as many recommended colleges and courses as possible to help you to decide which  is right for you depending upon your budget, experience and career aspirations
• Mandatory health cover (OSHC) organised on your behalf
• Free guidance when preparing your GTE statement
• Assistance with student visa preparation and ensuring all necessary documents are submitted as per the Home Affairs document checklist 
• Handy tips before coming to Australia. Study Online Australia will also offer advice on completing your course and what to do before leaving the country (for instance, applying to take out your Superannuation). 
• Last-minute visa application assistance (one to two days before expiry)
• Option to pay student fees monthly or every two to three months
• 24/7 support and guidance no matter what questions you may have 
• Friendly payment reminders throughout the duration of your course
• A referral system whereby you will receive $100 per every student you recommend

What to expect during the student visa application process 

Applying for a student visa both on or offshore can prove daunting but Study Online Australia helped me along every step of the way.

Below, you will find a brief guide on what to expect during the student visa application process.
Choose your course and collegeFirst things first, ask yourself what you want from your studies in Australia. Is there a particular course you have always wanted to study or is there a location you have dreamt of visiting since you were young?

For instance, I fell in love with Sydney from the very moment I touched down in the city and wanted to combine a love for both study and travel. 

Prepare your documents

To ensure the process is hassle-free, prepare all of the appropriate documents well ahead of time. 
Below, find a list of the mandatory items required to submit your visa application.
Student visa checklist:

• Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover
• A certified copy of your passport;
• A certified copy of your current job and professional work experience 
• 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 

Write your GTE statement

A GTE statement is a letter proving that you intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily and must include the following:

• Your reasons for choosing the course(s) of study specified in your application
• Your reasons for choosing your education provider(s)
• Your reasons for choosing to study in Australia 
• Your planned living arrangements in Australia
• The relevance of your course(s) to your academic and/ or employment background                

It is recommended that you include as much information in your GTE statement as possible to help create a holistic view of your circumstances. Immigration can make a decision on a student visa application with the information provided and there is no requirement to request more information.

Study Online Australia will help you to prepare this document. There is no template for writing a GTE letter. Every student creates his/her unique statement. With extensive experience in visa applications, Study Online Australia will proofread your letter so you can rest assured that you have included all of the information required.

Pay the relevant fees

Before completing the student application, you are required to pay for your student visa fee and one term up front or a small deposit for your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

As previously mentioned, Study Online Australia will ensure that you don’t miss a single payment date throughout your course with friendly reminders in the run-up to your next term.
Enrol on your courseCongratulations, your student visa has been approved! What’s next? 

Ahead of your start date, you will need to attend compulsory orientation. As a consequence of COVID-19, I enrolled online as part of a Zoom conference.

Pavla was incredibly helpful throughout the process and is always on hand to help students with any issues regarding enrolment, timetables or student numbers.

Tips on applying for a student visa

When applying for a student visa, it’s important to make sure that you have everything ready to go. 

Below, find a list of tips to consider when applying for a student visa:

• Do your research. Study Online Australia will help you to find the perfect course but it’s a good idea to figure out where you’d like to study first. To get a feel for the different locations on offer, check out our handy city guides.
• Decide which course you would like to take. Study Online Australia’s fantastic guide to what’s on offer is a great place to start.
• Prepare your documents well in advance so that you don’t waste valuable time. Study Online Australia’s free student visa checklist is a must-read.
• Save, save, save. Make sure you have set aside a realistic budget before applying for a student visa. You will need to provide evidence that you can support yourself during your stay in Australia. 

Study Online helps international students from around the world to apply for a diverse range of courses in Australia whether that’s English or a business diploma. Our experienced education counsellors will explain the entry requirements, talk you through the enrolment process and help you to submit the visa application. 

We go above and beyond to make sure that you have the greatest experience possible during your stay in Australia. For further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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