Changes in Australia: tourist visa to a student visa

Australia is known for its top-notch education, warm weather, and exciting lifestyle, making it a favourite spot for students worldwide. If you’re already visiting this beautiful country on a tourist visa and have been inspired to stay longer to study, you’re not alone. Many visitors consider switching from a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia to access the country’s world-class education system and vibrant student life.

But here’s the catch: recent changes to Australia’s visa rules have made switching directly from a tourist visa to a student visa a bit trickier. The government wants to ensure that people applying to study in Australia are serious about their education and not just looking to extend their stay. While this might sound like a challenge, don’t worry; starting your education journey in Australia is still possible. You just need the right information and a solid plan covered in this guide. 

Let’s break it down so you are ready to take the next step.

Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with accurate information as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or checking The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Updates to Visa Regulation

As of 1 July 2024, Australia has introduced stricter regulations that prevent individuals on certain temporary visas, including tourist visas, from applying for a student visa while in the country. This move is part of the government’s effort to curb “visa hopping,” a practice where visitors switch visas to extend their stay without leaving Australia.

Under the new rules:

• Tourist visa holders (Subclass 600, Subclass 601, Subclass 602 and Subclass 651) can no longer apply for a student visa from within Australia.
• You must leave Australia to apply for a student visa and can only return after receiving approval.

While the process may need careful planning and additional steps, it still remains a clear and achievable goal for those who genuinely wish to study in Australia. Let’s now explore which visa types are impacted and the steps you must follow to meet the new rules.

Affected Visa Holders

The following visas are no longer eligible to apply for a student visa from within Australia:

• Visitor Visas (Subclass 600, 601, 602, 651) and Transit visa (subclass 771) are short-term visas intended for tourism, business visits, or transit only.  
• Temporary Graduate Visas: The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. However, as per the new update, holders of this visa are no longer permitted to apply for a Student visa while in Australia.
• Maritime Crew Visas: Maritime Crew Visas (Subclass 988) are issued to crew members on ships or flights entering Australia. Holders of these visas are similarly required to apply for a student visa from outside the country.
• Other Diplomatic Visa holders: Apart from the above list, the following visa diplomatic holders are not eligible to lodge a student visa while in Australia-
  Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream, Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic and Consular visa (subclass 426), Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) – primary visa holder only. A family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia)
  
  If you hold any of the above visas, transitioning to a student visa will involve leaving Australia and ensuring you meet all application requirements before re-entering. Next, let’s explore how you can still achieve your study goals despite these changes.

Is Studying in Australia Still Possible?

Yes! While the process may require more planning, you can still pursue your education dreams in Australia. Here’s how to proceed under the new guidelines for switching from a tourist visa to a student visa:

1. Plan to Apply Offshore: If you’re in Australia on a tourist visa and wish to study, you must return to your home country (or another country) to submit your student visa application.

2. Prepare Your Application Thoroughly: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including:

1. 1. • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution.
      • Proof of financial capacity.
      • English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).
      • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

3. Understand Processing Times: Processing times for offshore student visa applications may vary, so apply well in advance to ensure a smooth transition from a tourist visa to a student visa.

With these steps, you can confidently navigate the updated requirements and keep your plans to study in Australia on track. Have you ever considered why these changes have been introduced and what they mean for international students planning to study in Australia? Let’s get into the details.

Reasons for the Updated Visa Policies

These changes are part of a broader set of reforms introduced under the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy. The Australian government introduced these changes to: 

• Encourage students to apply from outside the country, ensuring their intent to study is genuine.
• Reduce exploitation of the visa system by individuals who extend their stay without valid study plans.

These changes will keep Australia’s immigration and education systems fair and reliable.

Tips to get an Australian Student Visa 

If you’re on a tourist visa and want to study in Australia, it’s still possible, but the process is more involved. You’ll need to return to your home country (or another country) and apply for a student visa from there. Here are some simple tips to help:

1. Get Professional Help: If you are unsure about anything, talk to a migration agent or an education consultant. They can guide you and ensure that your application is completed correctly. 
2. Pick the Right Course: Choose a course that matches your goals and interests. Make sure the school is CRICOS-registered so it qualifies for a student visa.
3. Check Your Finances: Make sure you have enough money to cover your school fees, living costs, and other expenses. This is an important part of your application.
4. Follow Visa Rules: Look at your current visa conditions, like the “No Further Stay” rule, which might stop you from applying for another visa while in Australia.
5. Prepare Your Documents Early: Have all the required documents ready, such as your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), English test results, and health insurance (OSHC). This helps avoid delays.
6. Stay Updated: Visa rules can change. Check the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask an expert to stay informed.

Being organised and understanding the new rules will make the process smoother.

Final Thoughts

While switching from a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia may involve extra steps due to the recent policy changes, studying in Australia remains an exciting and rewarding opportunity. Preparing your student visa application from offshore ensures a smoother process and compliance with Australian immigration laws.

Need help navigating the visa process? Knowbal’s expert migration consultants are here to assist. From selecting the right course to submitting a strong application, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Visit our website today and take the first step toward making your education dreams in Australia a reality!