International Students
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Start Your Adventure
Studying overseas is always exciting. Study with ACAP and it’ll open the door to a lifetime of adventures.
Australia is up there as one of the best countries in the world to study in. And ACAP is one of the most supportive educational environments you’ll find. Make friends for life, learn from some of the most dedicated teachers in the field and pave the way to a successful career - here, back home or somewhere new.
There are a lot of things to think about before making the decision to jump on a plane and head down under. Cost of living is one of them. Here’s a guide on day to day living costs in Australia, plus some useful websites you might want to check out.
NEWS: Australia set to reopen borders to international students
The Australian Government recently announced that fully vaccinated international students holding a valid student visa will be eligible to travel to Australia without the requirement for a travel exemption. With the news of the Omicron variant, the Australian Government has temporarily paused the planned opening of borders and we await a new date, at which point we will update our website . In the meantime please visit Australia.gov.au for the latest updates.
International student travel will soon be possible because 85% of Australia’s adult population are fully vaccinated against COVID19. This is a very high vaccination rate against global benchmarks, making Australia one of the safest places to live and study.
- Restrictions vary across Australia and it is a good idea to check the latest information on the Government Website
- Before arranging travel, you should check the Home Affairs website information for vaccinated travellers
Below, you will find frequently asked questions about vaccines, tests and support services.
1.1 When will I be able to return to Australia for my studies?
Quarantine requirements in Australia are determined by State and Territory Governments. From 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated student visa holders can come to the following states in Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption and without any quarantine:
- Victoria
- New South Wales
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Students must meet certain conditions, which are set out below in Section 2.1.
1.2 When will I be able to return to Western Australia for my studies?
The State’s borders will be open to all fully vaccinated domestic and international arrivals without the need to quarantine once 90% of Western Australians (aged 12+) are fully vaccinated. This is expected to occur by late January or early February 2022, before the start of the first semester in 2022. We are constantly seeking clarification and updates and will share further information with you as soon as it becomes available.
1.3 When will I be able to return to Queensland for my studies?
The State’s borders will be open to all fully vaccinated domestic and international arrivals without the need to quarantine once 90% of Queenslanders (aged 12+) are fully vaccinated. This is expected to occur by early February 2022, before the start of the first semester in 2022. We are constantly seeking clarification and updates and will share further information as soon as it becomes available.
1.4 Will I have to quarantine?
For NSW, ACT, Victoria – No, students will not be required to quarantine upon entering Australia.
For Queensland, WA, SA – No. Students should arrive after Queensland meets their 90% vaccination rate so you do not have the quarantine. This is expected to happen by January 2022 however we will inform you when we know the specific date.
1.5 Who will book my flights to come to Australia?
Students will be responsible for booking and paying for their own flights.
2.1 What are the conditions of entry into Australia from overseas?
To enter Australia you must:
- hold a valid student visa;
- be fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration;
- provide proof of your vaccination status with an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) or foreign vaccination certificate ;
- provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test undertaken within three days of departure;
- complete and submit an online Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before your flight.
You must also comply with any specific quarantine requirements in the state or territory of your arrival, and any other state or territory to which you plan to travel.
2.2 Will it be compulsory for international students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine prior to entering Australia?
Yes. Australia requires international arrivals to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine. This is to help protect your safety and that of the Australian community. A list of vaccines currently recognised and approved in Australia can be found here.
2.3 How do I know if my vaccination certificate meets Australia’s requirements?
Travellers vaccinated outside Australia will be required to present certificates that meet the following criteria:
- Issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider
- Written in English or accompanied by a certified translation
- Must contain:
- Name as it appears on traveller’s passport
- Either date of both or passport number
- The vaccine brand name, and
- The date of each does or the date the full course of immunisation was completed.
Both paper and digital certificates are acceptable.
2.4 What evidence do students need to provide to show they have been fully vaccinated?
International travellers will be required to submit an Australian Travel Declaration online with a copy of your vaccination certificate before your flight. This needs to be completed at least 72 hours before your flight.
You will then need to provide an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) or foreign vaccination certificate when you board your flight and again, on arrival in Australia. Further information can be viewed at the Smartraveller website.
2.5 If an international student’s vaccine isn’t recognised by the TGA but it is in their home country, can they be considered for entry?
No. Only students who are fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) can enter Australia.
3.1 Will I need a current student visa to return to Australia?
Yes, you will need to hold a valid student visa to enter Australia. Students can check their current visa status and the expiry date of their visa through VEVO or their ImmiAccount.
Students can also use their ImmiAccount to apply for a new visa if theirs has already expired or is close to expiring. For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
3.2 Do I still need a travel exemption to come to Australia?
Not for the following Australian states effective December 1, 2021:
- Victoria
- New South Wales
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Other Australian states (Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia) are expected to follow once 90% of the population (aged 12+) are fully vaccinated. This is expected to happen around January or February 2022. This is to help protect you and the Australian community. While you do not require an exemption, when returning to Australia you will be required to complete and submit an Australian Travel Declaration online with a copy of your vaccination certificate before your flight. This must be completed at least 72 hours before your scheduled flight departure.
More information on current practices in other states can be found here:
4.1 What can international students do to prepare to come to Australia?
Enrolled students
- Ensure they are fully vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine;
- Contact their travel agent and start looking into their travel arrangements to Australia;
- Understand their local COVID-19 testing arrangements;
- Understand how to get relevant travel exemptions (if required).
Prospective Students
- Select their course
- Submit your application
- If successful, pay your OSHC and first tuition instalment;
- Apply for a student visa.
4.2 How do I arrange a COVID-19 PCR test prior to departure?
The Australian Government does not maintain a list of approved international facilities or laboratories that provide COVID-19 PCR testing for pre-departure testing purposes.
International travellers to Australia should contact the local health authority of the country that they are in for information on the nearest COVID-19 PCR testing facility or laboratory. This information is generally advertised on the local health authorities’ websites.
4.3 Is there a check list I could follow to prepare for travel to Australia?
Yes. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs provides a checklist of information and steps you will need to follow.
4.4 Who will inform current international students if they are eligible to return to Australia?
Current students can return from 1 December (for NSW, ACT and Victoria), and then for other states we will advise students when they are able to return without quarantine. This will be prior to Trimester 1, 2022.
5.1 Where do I need to take my Covid test upon arrival in Australia?
International arrivals are required to undertake COVID-19 tests once they arrive in Australia.
The specific requirements differ for each state and territory. To locate your nearest COVID testing centre by campus location please see below:
Sydney:
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
We will provide you with information about what tests are required once you arrive in Australia.
5.2 How do I organise my accommodation?
Students should look to arrange their own accommodation prior to travelling to Australia. There are some resources you can look at further down this page.
6.1 What if I get Covid-19 in Australia?
If you get tested for the virus, or you have symptoms, you need to stay at home. You will need to do this until you either have a negative test result or your symptoms have gone – whichever is longer. It may take a day or 2 for your test results to come back.
- If your doctor says you are well enough to go home while you wait for your test results, you should protect yourself and others.
- If you meet certain criteria, you may be considered a suspect case and be required to isolate.
- People who are required to quarantine will need to continue to do so, regardless of a negative test result. For further information read guidance for people tested for COVID-19.
- For questions about testing or patient welfare, call the National Coronavirus Helpline. Please also inform your college immediately.
6.2 What medical treatment and support am I covered for as an international student?
International students are required to have health insurance while they are studying in Australia.
ACAP IS LOOKING INTO HEALTH COVER REQUIREMENTS AND WILL SUPPLEMENT THIS INFORMATION ASAP
6.3 Can International students and their families remain confident that they can stay safe and protected from Covid-19 once they recommence their studies in Australia?
In the uncertainty of these times, Australia’s focus on minimising the risks of COVID-19 means international students can be more confident of their experience here than anywhere else in the world.
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Visa Arrangements for Study
Most international students require an Australian Student Visa to study in Australia. Check below to check your own circumstance.
Most international students require an Australian Student Visa to study in Australia.
If you are holding an Australian temporary visa (other than a student visa) you may not need to apply for a student visa. You can check your visa study entitlements on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.
Please note, irrespective of your visa processing arrangement – you must submit your complete application (via your agent or direct to the College), wait until you have received and returned your letter offer acceptance agreement to the College, and then wait until you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by the College before applying to the DIPB for a student visa.
If you lodge an application outside Australia, you must wait until your visa is granted before travelling to Australia. If you travel to Australia on another visa before your application is finalised, you will need to lodge a new application in Australia (if eligible) and pay another visa application charge.
Not all students are eligible to apply for a student visa from within Australia. For example, some visas are not eligible visas and there may also be other visa application constraints. For further details about the student visa processes, visit the DIBP website.
You must hold a valid student visa while studying in Australia. It is the student visa holder’s responsibility to apply for a further student visa before it expires, if:
- you have not completed your course yet
- you have submitted your postgraduate research thesis
- you are going to commence a new course of study
Student visa conditions are available on the DIBP website.
If you are international student studying on an Australian Student Visa and you have been granted a new Australian temporary or permanent visa, you must notify your local campus International Student Contact Officer immediately.
If you wish to change your study plans, do promptly contact your ACAP campus International Student Contact Officer to discuss the impact of your plans on your student visa and the various options that may be available to you.
If you have completed your studies and you wish to extend your stay in Australia you will need to apply for another visa before your current Australian Student Visa expires. Usually you can only apply for another visa if you do not have a ‘No Further Stay’ condition on your current student visa. For further information refer to the DIBP’s webpage on ‘Study Situation’.
From 1 July 2016, the student visa processes are guided by the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). Under the SSVF:
• international students apply for a single Student visa (subclass 500), regardless of their chosen course of study
• student guardians will apply for the new Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
• all students and student guardians (or their representative agent) will generally be required, following receipt of a confirmation of enrolment from their provider, to lodge their visa application online by creating an account in the DIBP’s “ImmiAccount” system at www.border.gov.au/immiaccount.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement
The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants and considers whether the individual circumstances of the student indicate that their intention is for a temporary stay in Australia. A genuineness assessment is made by taking into account a number of personal factors relating to the student, such as their immigration history, circumstances that might encourage the student to return to their home country and conditions that might encourage them to remain in Australia.
Enrolment in a registered course of study
International students must provide their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) which ACAP supplied on enrolment, when they lodge their student visa application in “ImmiAccount”. Exceptions to this requirement apply to Foreign Affairs and Defence sponsored students (Letter of Support from Foreign Affairs and Defence); secondary exchange students (an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students form); and postgraduate research students required to remain in Australia for marking of their thesis.
Financial capacity and English language proficiency
All international students are required to have sufficient funds to cover their course fees and living costs in Australia. While student visa holders are able to work a specified number of hours in Australia, they should not rely on working to cover their course fees and living costs.
Students will generally be able to satisfy their financial capacity by providing a declaration and a Confirmation of Enrolment which shows that they have met ACAP’s English language requirements as part of their DIBP visa application process. For some students the DIBP may request documentary evidence of financial capacity with their visa application.
Evidence requirements when applying for a student visa (subclass 500)
To find out what documents you might need to provide to the DIBP through the “ImmiAccount” system as part of your visa application process go through the following steps.
- Step 1. Go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study#
- Step 2. Scroll down to ‘Find the document evidence you need to provide’ and select your Country of passport.
- Step 3. Select your Education Provider -Australian College of Applied Psychology, Navitas College of Public Safety.
- Step 4. In ‘I am one of the following’ select “none of the above” (last option). Click on ‘Display evidence”.
For further details about the student visa process visit the DIBP website.
The SSVF only applies to student visa applications lodged from 1 July 2016 and will not affect continuing visas of existing student visa holders and those granted a visa having applied under the former visas arrangements. However, if you were granted a visa under the former visa arrangements and change programs your visa may be affected.
Family members of existing student visa holders (subclasses 570-576) will need to apply for a subclass 500 visa if they do not currently hold a student visa and want to join their family member in Australia.
For further information, of visit the DIBP’s website.
Living and Accommodation
How much should you budget to study and live in Australia? Read on to discover useful guidelines.
How much should you budget? It depends where you live and the type of place you want to live in. As a guide, a single student living away from home will spend $1,400 – $2,000 each month on accommodation, food, utilities and entertainment. Here’s a breakdown:
- Accommodation options:
- Renting: $350 – $700 per week
- Shared rental: $190 – $350 per week
- Hostel or guesthouse: $280 – $500 per week
- Homestay: $110 – $270 per week
(We’ve teamed up with the Australian Homestay Network – learn more here.)
- Groceries and eating out: $80 – $280 per week
- Gas/electricity (when renting): $35 – $140 per week
- Phone and internet: $15 – $55 per week
- Public transport: $15 – $55 per week
- Car (after purchase): $150 – $260 per week
- Entertainment: $80 – $150 per week
Don’t forget to budget for school fees if you have school-aged dependents (aged 5-18).
You must show you have enough money in the bank when applying for a student visa with The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
Here’s a 12 month guide:
- Student/guardian $20,290
- Partner/spouse $7,100
- Child $3,040
Useful links and Resources
Find all the resources you need to get yourself set up.
Study in Australia – the official Australian Government website for international students.
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
Studying in Australia as a Student With Disabilities
https://www.studying-in-australia.org/studying-in-australia-as-a-disabled-student/
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
www.border.gov.au
Australian Bureau of Meteorology
www.bom.gov.au
Australian Bureau of Statistics
www.abs.gov.au
Apply for a student visa
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder
Google maps Australia
maps.google.com.au
Sydney public transport
transportnsw.info
Melbourne public transport
ptv.vic.gov.au
Brisbane public transport
translink.com.au
Adelaide public transport
adelaidemetro.com.au
Medical Emergencies: Dial 000 and ask for an ambulance
Medical Attention including after hours:
Visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services
Overseas Student Healthcare Insurance (OSHC)
As an International Student, it is a condition of your student visa that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. OSHC gives you access to out of hospital and in hospital medical services to help you maintain your health.
Below are some suggestedOSHC providers:
Free legal services are available at:
Law Access NSW
Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid Victoria
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information and advice about workplace rights and obligations of everyone working in Australia, including holders of student visas. See their website for more information: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/