Study
Before preparing a visa application, it helps to understand what you want to study, why you have chosen the provider and how the course fits your plans. We review your education, work and finances, then explain your reasons using specific information that reflects your circumstances.
The usual work limit is 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, with different provisions for certain research students and scheduled breaks. You must also meet the applicable enrolment, course progress, insurance and address notification conditions. Read your grant letter to understand the obligations attached to your visa.
The Genuine Student requirement replaced Genuine Temporary Entrant for applications from 23 March 2024. The questions cover your circumstances, course and provider choice, the benefits of study and other relevant information. The Department also considers your visa and Australian study history when assessing whether your current plans are credible.
Study must be the primary reason for seeking the student visa. An intention to consider a lawful longer-term visa after graduation does not, by itself, prevent you from meeting Genuine Student. You still need to explain why you genuinely intend, and are able, to undertake the selected course.
A statement such as “Australia has excellent education” says little about your particular choice. Explain the knowledge or practical training you need, the providers you compared and how the cost relates to the expected benefit. Any claim about employers, salaries or professional recognition should be supported by information you have checked.
Continuing in your field and changing direction can both have reasonable explanations. If you move from a degree to a diploma in another discipline, for example, explain the skills you want and how you intend to use them. I consider your overall circumstances, rather than treating the qualification level alone as the answer.
We compare costs, admission requirements and career relevance. I can assist with applications, recognition of qualifications, credit transfer and scholarships. For a package such as English followed by a diploma and degree, you need to understand the purpose of each course and the conditions for progressing to the next.
The indicative base charge is A$2,500. The amount payable and any concession depend on the rules at lodgement, nationality and course category; confirm them with Home Affairs before payment. Also allow for OSHC, tuition, living and travel costs, English testing and health examinations.
The grant period depends on your enrolment and the applicable rules; check the maximum period relevant to your course rather than assuming a six-year grant. Processing times and priorities can change. Ministerial Direction 115 is referenced for offshore applications from 14 November 2025, but the direction in force at lodgement should be checked. Prepare early once eligible and avoid travel commitments based on an assumed decision date.
Possibly, subject to your visa conditions and provider transfer rules. Moving to a lower qualification level generally requires a new student visa to be granted before starting the lower-level course, unless an exception applies. Check the course level, CoE and current visa before making the change.
Spouses and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants, with additional financial capacity, OSHC and school fees to show. School-aged children must be enrolled in school.
Funds can be held by you, a spouse or a parent, and loans from financial institutions are accepted in some circumstances. What matters is that the money is genuinely available and its source is explained.
Book a consultation to discuss the requirements that may apply to you, any concerns about your case and what needs to be prepared. You are welcome to speak in Vietnamese or English.
Next step
A 30-minute consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances, consider initial options and identify the documents that need checking. Some matters require a further review of the records before I can give a complete assessment.
