1. Are gap years acceptable in Australian universities?
Most individual universities in Australia have their own set of criteria for admissions. While gap year acceptability varies from one university to another, small gaps of one or two years are normal. You will however need to justify large gaps of three to four years though.
Other factors for gap acceptability depend upon whether you want to join an undergraduate course or a postgraduate course. Justification is necessary though, irrespective of the course you intend to join. You may also have to provide evidence as a reason in some cases.
Is There Any Age Limit for a Student Visa in Australia?
There is no maximum age limit to fulfil your dreams of studying at an Australian university. The student visa to Australia has no age limit. Living in Australia is an incredible experience.
You can improve your training and develop skills, both professionally and personally. Age is not an excuse to not leave your comfort zone. Do not miss an opportunity like this.
Can I apply for an Australian Study Visa without IELTS?
Yes. While most universities in Australia require Indian students to appear for an English language proficiency test, some have waived the IELTS test. However, this tends to vary and you are required to check the same with the admission faculty of the university concerned. Quite often, the IELTS English proficiency test is waived for students who have earlier completed their education in the English language.
Can I take my family with me?
Your spouse and other family members can accompany you while you participate in your desired study in an Australian education program. You can apply for this inside or outside of Australia through the online portal.
Conduct these basic checks before you apply
- Ensure that you are enrolled in the desired study in Australia program.
- You should either fall in an exemption category or hold the OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover).
- In case you are less than 18 years of age, you are required to prove that you have a welfare arrangement.
Can I work in Australia on my student visa?
Provided that you meet immigration requirements, a student visa to Australia allows undergraduate and postgraduate full-time university degree students to work part-time during the academic year (currently full-time allowing) and full-time over summer vacations.
However, the right to work on your student visa cannot be enforced till you have formally enrolled in your study program at the university.
Individual universities in Australia also provide a Student Job Search service. This is to help you find part-time work during the term and full-time work during the summer holidays. Make sure you join and access this as soon as possible as new offers from employers come in all the time.
Australian Student Visa allows full-time university degree students to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (currently full-time allowing) during academic terms and unlimited hours during summer vacations.
Can I extend my student visa? If so, how?
If your current visa conditionally is not subject to a No Further Stay, you can always apply for a further student visa in Australia.
The following process is applicable to undergraduate or postgraduate program students.
Step 1 – Use the same online request form for obtaining a new Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment or eCOE.
Step 2 – The OHSC is not automatically extended with eCOE. You will have to separately organize an extension until the expiry date of your new student visa.
Step 3 – Prepare the supporting documents to attach to your application. This includes –
- Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).
- OSHC Policy.
- Your Passport.
- Statement to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) status.
- Evidence of Financial Capacity.
Step 4 – You can apply online for a Student Visa Subclass 500 to the Department of Home Affairs. You can do this yourself or you can ask for our service.
The Department of Home Affairs will send you an acknowledgement along with a copy of your Bridging Visa for applicants in Australia.
How long is my student visa valid?
Normally, your Australian Student Visa to a university will last for the duration of the study programme (including holidays) you are enrolled in and will also allow you to remain in Australia for some time after finishing the course.
It depends upon the length of the course and the month in which it ends. If your course is longer than ten months and ends in November or December, your student visa can end on March 15 of the next year.
Can I get a scholarship to an Australian university?
Several educational institutions in Western Australia and South Australia offer a wide range of scholarships to meritorious Bangladeshi students to help them fund their studies.
The Australian government, public, and private establishments also provide grants and support apart from scholarships. However, check the eligibility criteria along with the closing application date.
Can I get Australian PR after my studies are over?
After completing your higher education in Australia, you can also apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 to obtain a permanent residency. This visa makes international students eligible to live and temporarily work in the country after completing two years of studies in Australia.