Many visitors and working holidaymakers fall in love with life in Australia and decide to pursue further study.Â
Whether you’re already exploring the country on a Working Holiday Visa or visiting on a Tourist Visa, you may be eligible to transition to a student visa and continue your stay legally.
Below is a guide to help you understand the process of shifting from a tourist visa to a student visa Australia or from a working holiday visa.
If you’re currently on a Working Holiday Visa and wish to study in Australia, you can apply for a student visa before your current visa expires. This process allows you to stay legally in Australia while preparing to start your course.
Since 1 July 2024, holders of Visitor visa subclass 600, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) subclass 601 and eVisitor subclass 651 cannot lodge a Student visa (subclass 500) application while in Australia.
If you hold one of these visas and want to study in Australia for longer than three months, you will generally need to leave Australia and lodge your Student visa application from outside Australia.
Before making study or travel arrangements, check your current visa conditions and make sure you understand the requirements for an offshore Student visa application. Visitor visas generally allow study or training for up to three months, but they are not intended for longer-term study.
What should Visitor visa holders consider?
If you are eligible to lodge a valid Student visa application while in Australia, you may be granted a Bridging visa that allows you to remain lawfully in Australia after your current substantive visa expires while your application is being processed.
However, Visitor visa subclass 600, ETA subclass 601 and eVisitor subclass 651 holders cannot lodge a Student visa application while in Australia, so different arrangements apply to them.
It depends on the visa you currently hold. Holders of Visitor visa subclass 600, ETA subclass 601 and eVisitor subclass 651 cannot lodge a Student visa application while in Australia and will need to apply from outside Australia.
Working Holiday visa subclass 417 and Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 holders may be able to apply in Australia if they meet the Student visa requirements and their current visa conditions allow a valid onshore application.
Student visa processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, application completeness and current Department of Home Affairs processing volumes. Check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing Time Guide for the most recent estimates.
Yes. The rules are different. Visitor visa subclass 600, ETA subclass 601 and eVisitor subclass 651 holders cannot lodge a Student visa application while in Australia.
Working Holiday visa subclass 417 and Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 holders may be able to lodge a Student visa application onshore, provided they meet the Student visa requirements and their current visa conditions allow it.
Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Different rules apply to some postgraduate research students and family members. Always check the conditions attached to your visa in VEVO.
Let Unique Migration guide you every step of the way! Whether you need a skilled visa, family sponsorship, or expert migration advice, our team ensures a smooth and successful process.
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