Applying To Study In Australia: Student Timeline

If you plan to study in Australia, you’ll have to care for many things. 
 

You should plan, and you must go through several steps that include the following:

1. Choose your preferred institution or course.

2. Submit your application to the university.

3. Obtain and accept the offer letter. 

4. Apply for a student visa.

5. Receive eCoE (electronic Confirmation of Enrolment).

There are other entry requirements that you need to fulfil. Here are a few requirements that you should look into:

• English language requirements. 

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

• Academic requirements.

• Proof of funds to support your study.

Note: If you are already working or living in Australia, you can still apply to study as an international student. 

If you are wondering what your next step will be in the application process, you've come to the right place. Here's a handy checklist for you to ensure you are well-prepared. 

Research (two years before arrival) - You should start the initial research at least two years before arrival. Well-conducted research helps decide the right course, institution and study destination. While doing research, you can consider the following: 

• Look for education providers in Australia. 

• Talk to current students, graduates or students like you who are planning to move to Australia. 

• Get to know more about the location of your preferred institution. 

• Look for available student support services. 

• To get more information, visit your education provider's website or email them. 

1. Check The Admission Requirements

(18 months before arrival) 

It's crucial to go through the English language and academic requirements before you apply for Australian university courses. You should do it at least 18 months before your arrival. 

To check the entry requirements to study in Australia, you can call the international student office or visit the institution's website. 

2. Make Arrangements For English Language Tests

(18 months before arrival)

Check with your institution whether you'll need to prove your English proficiency. If yes, confirm what score you'll need and which test they will accept.

If your institute has an English language requirement, register at least 18 months before your arrival. You'll need to show the results for student visa processing. 

Ensure your English test is at most two years old, or else most education institutions will not accept it.

3. Apply For A Course

(12 to 14 months before arrival) 

Contact your preferred education institution and ask them about the necessary application forms. 

Some institutions don't have a specific deadline for submitting course applications. Still, it is wise to apply ahead of time to take care of other things like accommodation, visa and flights.

You can apply online through your education provider's website or OzStudies.

4. Complete Your Application And Submit It

(12 to 14 months before arrival) 

You need to make sure that you are aware of all the requirements and conditions of an application. For that, you need to go through the application materials thoroughly. It may take you a few weeks to fill out the application form. 

Many institutions in Australia take between 4 to 6 weeks to evaluate applications. 

5. Receive And Accept Your Offer Letter

(10 to 12 months before arrival) 

Once your education provider sends you an offer letter, you need to receive and accept it before it expires. 

Students who receive a conditional offer letter need to fulfil other requirements to get the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment). In comparison, students who receive unconditional offers can immediately accept and pay their tuition fees. 

6. Meet The Requirements And Conditions

(10 to 12 months before arrival)

If you get a conditional offer letter, you'll need to fulfil all the requirements and conditions, such as attaching overseas qualifications or proof of English proficiency.

After you have all the necessary documentation, you'll have to return the certified copies to your education provider within the specified date. 

7. Apply For A Student Visa

(10 to 12 months before arrival)

Visa processing via an Australian visa office in your home country or through DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) may take a minimum of twelve weeks. So, apply for the Australia student visa as soon as you get your offer letter. 

It's important to note that the application and its processing time may vary depending on the level of assessment. 

8. Arrange OSHC 

(10 to 12 months before arrival)

The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an essential requirement for all international students in Australia, except for those who belong to Norway, Belgium and Sweden. You need to keep it with you throughout your stay in Australia. 

Get your OSHC as soon as you receive the offer letter. You'll even need it to apply for a student visa. 

9. Look For an Accommodation

(3 to 4 months before arrival)

You must start looking for accommodation options immediately after you receive your offer letter and your student visa. Finding accommodation 3 to 4 months before your arrival will help you get the housing facility of your choice. 

Remember, if your institution doesn't provide accommodation, you might have to find an off-campus housing facility. 

10. Book Your Flight Tickets

(3 to 4 months before arrival)

You can book your flight tickets after the approval of your visa application and once you have finalised your accommodation. You must ensure enough time to settle in before your classes begin. 

Another thing you need to keep in mind is that your arrival date should align with your accommodation check-in date and student orientation sessions. 

11. Make Arrangements For Your Airport Pickup

(2 weeks before arrival) 

Many education providers in Australia provide a free airport pickup service for international students arriving in Australia. If they don't offer this service, you must make arrangements at least two weeks before arrival. You should also inform your accommodation provider about your arrival time and date. 

It's important to know that this student timeline is only a guide. You can gather more information from your education provider or DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection). 

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia