Australia is one of the premier destinations for foreign students. Foreign nationals who plan to move to Australia require a student visa, which comes in various types, depending on the course to be studied and the educational level of the academic programme. In order to qualify for student visas, applicants must have no overdue debts, good moral character and be in good health.
Independent ELICOS Visa (Subclass 570), as its name suggests, is intended for students who want to move to Australia to take up English Language Intensive Courses. Schools Visa (Subclass 571) is for those taking up primary, junior secondary or senior secondary education. Students enrolling in Certificates I, II, III and IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diploma courses need a Vocational Education and Training Visa (Subclass 572). For university courses leading to Bachelor Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Associate Degree, there is the Higher Education Visa (Subclass 573). Students enrolling in bridging or foundation courses, where there is no degree involved, need to obtain a Non-award Visa (Subclass 575). Postgraduate Research Visa (Subclass 574) is intended for students who wish to move to Australia in order to take Masters or PhD courses.
On being granted a student visa, you can move to Australia not only to study, but also to take a full-time job, though this is only possible during school vacations. Foreign students are also allowed to take a part-time job during the school season, for a maximum of 20 hours per week. In addition, family members of postgraduate visa holders, along with AusAid dependents, are eligible for unrestricted work rights.