Immigration and study FAQs

Australia is a large country with a small population, so cities feel spacious, clean and safe. People are friendly and relaxed, and international students come from all over the world. Teaching is practical and encourages you to think for yourself and solve real problems.

There is no single best university. Each one has its own strengths: some are known for business, others for engineering, health or the sciences. Every provider that teaches international students must be registered on CRICOS, the government register of approved courses. The right choice depends on your field, your budget, where you want to live and your plans after graduation.

Most Australian universities and colleges do not set their own entrance exam. They look at your previous study results and, for international students, an English test score. IELTS is the best known test, but providers and the Department of Home Affairs also accept others, such as PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. The score you need depends on the course and provider, and some students are exempt. We check the requirement for your course before you apply.

Costs depend on the provider, the course and the city. To get a student visa you need to show you can pay for your tuition, travel and living costs, which the Department currently sets at A$29,710 a year for a student. The visa application fee is A$2,500 for the main applicant. You usually pay a tuition deposit, often your first study period, to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You will need a Tax File Number before you start work.

Many students are supported by family, such as parents or other close relatives, or use an education loan from a bank in their home country. Scholarships can also help. Whatever the source, you need documents that show the money is genuinely available to you. Our education consultants explain exactly what evidence you need.

You can usually change courses, but the rules matter. If you are in the first 6 months of your main course, you generally need a release from your current provider. Your new provider issues a new Confirmation of Enrolment, and some changes, such as moving to a lower level course, can affect your visa. Talk to us before you change so your visa stays secure.

Start with your goals: the career you want, where you want to live and your budget. Our education consultants look at your background, English level and future migration options, then shortlist courses and providers that fit. We also explain how your choice affects work rights and visas after graduation.

Yes. Most student visas let you include your partner and dependent children. They must be in your application, meet health and character requirements, and you need to show funds for them as well.

Yes, but check your visa conditions first. You will need a new Confirmation of Enrolment, and some changes need a new visa.

Yes. Australia is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries to live and study in.

Usually your visa application fee, Overseas Student Health Cover for the length of your visa and a tuition deposit, often your first study period. You do not pay the full course up front.

Permanent residence, or PR, lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents can enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible family members and, after meeting the residence requirements, apply for Australian citizenship.

Common pathways include the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after your studies, followed by a skilled visa such as subclass 189, 190 or 491, or an employer sponsored visa. Skilled visas use a points test that looks at your age, English, qualifications, work experience and occupation.

Points come from things like:

• Your age
• Education level
• English skills
• Work experience
• Whether your job is on the skilled occupation list

We can work out your points and the pathway that suits your occupation. Try our PR points check, or book a consultation with an immigration solicitor.

It depends on your bridging visa. If you apply for PR in Australia while you hold a valid visa, you usually receive a Bridging visa A with the same work conditions as your current visa. Some people can then ask for more work rights. We check your conditions before you lodge.

Unique Education & Migration has immigration solicitors and education consultants who handle student, graduate, skilled, employer sponsored, partner and family visas. Because our lawyers are Australian legal practitioners, you get legal advice as well as help with forms and documents. Call (02) 8970 2398 or book a consultation in Parramatta or online.