Language and visa requirements

The Australian Government operates an Overseas Student Program (OSP) that allows people who are not Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents, to study in Australia. A student visa is required to undertake a registered course.

Involved with the granting of student visas, international students must provide evidence that satisfies the assessment factors applicable to your country of origin. Assessment factors include English proficiency levels and financial requirements amongst other matters.

For further information on visa requirements and assessment details please refer to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

English language proficiency is now a requirement when applying for a student visa (see table below). The IELTS is the only test accepted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for student visa purposes. Some visa Assessment Levels accept the IELTS entry levels required by the education institution.

Australian education institutions can only accept students with an appropriate level of English proficiency. Institutions set their own English language requirements and may have different IELTS entry levels for the proposed level of course than those required for a student visa. Intending students should check the entry requirements with their proposed institution.

Visa requirements and application procedures

Non-Australian residents are required to obtain a student visa before commencing study in Australia. Student visas can only be issued to students who intend to undertake registered courses on a full-time basis, are of good character, have adequate means of financial support and are covered by health insurance whilst in Australia.

Major changes to Australia’s student visa assessment procedures came into effect on 1 July 2001. The restructured student visa program replaces the gazetted/non-gazetted arrangement and the Special Entry Arrangements for students from the People’s Republic of China.