You can be issued a student visa for study in Australia if you wish to undertake a registered course on a full-time basis. A registered course is a course offered by an Australian education and training institution which is registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to international students.

You should check with the Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country to see if you are eligible to apply for a student visa before obtaining official confirmation of your enrolment and paying tuition fees.

If successful the visa you are issued is for the length of the study program and includes "multiple entry" allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which it has been granted. If you wish to extend your stay in Australia for further study you will need to lodge an application for a further visa.

Generally members of your immediate family (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) may accompany you to Australia and will be considered in the same visa class as yourself.

To be granted a student visa to study in Australia you will need:

• an enrolment letter showing acceptance into a full-time course of study registered by the Australian Government for overseas students
• to prove you have adequate means of financial support and that you have your return airfare
• a valid passport
• a medical report endorsing your good health
• proof of having obtained Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• evidence of your good character (eg police clearance certificate, and testimonials from the business and/or educational community).

After you have entered Australia there are a number of conditions which come into effect. The most common are:

• you must leave Australia when the visa has expired as it invalid for permanent residency
• you must satisfy course requirements and maintain a valid enrolment
• while studying you can work in paid employment for up to 20 hours a week
• health insurance must be paid for the full stay in Australia.