Australia Student Visas

The Australian Overseas Student Program (OSP) allows overseas nationals to study at educational institutions in Australia. There are 7 categories of student visas for Australia. The applicant's passport country and course of study determines the assessment level.

School Sector visa (Subclass 571)

This visa is for international students who want to study in Australia and whose main course is:

• A primary school course
• A secondary school course - this includes junior and senior; or
• An approved secondary school exchange program

Higher Education Student visa (Subclass 573)

This visa is for international students who wish to apply to study in Australia. The applicant's main course of study must be one of the following:

• Bachelor degree
• Associate degree
• Graduate certificate
• Graduate diploma
• Masters by coursework

Postgraduate Research Sector visa (Subclass 574)

This visa is for international students who wish to come to Australia to study a Masters degree by research or a Doctoral degree.

English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) visa (subclass 570)

International students who plan to study English in Australia can apply for a subclass 570 visa. Students who are studying ELICOS ahead of starting another course will need to apply for a visa in a category that is appropriate to their main course, not ELICOS.

Students who will only study ELICOS should apply for subclass 570.

Vocational Education and Training visa (Subclass 572)

This visa is for international students who want to study in Australia and whose main course of study is a: 

• certificate I, II, III or IV excluding ELICOS
• diploma or advanced diploma
• vocational graduate certificate or diploma

Non-award visa (subclass 575)

This visa is for international students who intend on studying either non award foundation courses or other full time courses that do not lead to an Australian award.

AusAID or Defence Sponsored visa (subclass 576)

International students sponsored by AusAID or Defence to study a full time course in Australia can apply for a subclass 576 student visa.

Student Guardian visa (Subclass 580)

This visa is for international students who want to study in Australia but may require a guardian if they are under 18 years of age. In some circumstances, it may also be possible for a student who is over 18 years of age but may require a guardian for cultural or religious reasons.