In order to obtain an Australian student visa, you must be accepted as a full-time student at an Australian school. Along with your proof of acceptance to an Australian school, you will need to provide proof of your English language abilities and prior education. If you are still in the process of completing your education, you may be accepted if you can prove your academic abilities by providing transcripts of your grades to-date. Once you have been accepted, you will need to provide Australian Immigration and consular services with proof of your enrollment.
Before entering Australia, you must meet certain health requirements. The Australian government will not allow persons with contagious diseases to enter Australian schools; you must be able to prove that you are in good health and able to complete your studies. The Australian government will give you a list of approved doctors and clinics to carry out your health examination. All costs associated with the exam are your responsibility. If you fail to meet the health requirements, you will not be granted a student visa.
Once you have been accepted at an Australian school and have passed your health exam, you may apply for your student visa. You will need to fill out a Form 157A (See Resources 1 for form). You will also need to provide proof of enrollment and a passed health examination, four passport-sized photos, a valid U.S. passport with at least one blank visa page, an application fee and proof that you can financially afford your stay in Australia. Applications can be made online through the Australian government's immigration website (See Resources 2 for the online application). You may also apply via mail or in person at a nearby Australian consulate.
If you would like to work while studying in Australia, you will also need to apply for permission to work. Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. You may not have any preexisting debt with the Australian government or have a criminal record.