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Home>Australia>About Heinz Australia>Student Life>Living Concerns>Student Visas
Student Visas
Which Australian government department is responsible for my student visa?
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will manage your student visa when you arrive in Australia. In your home country, all matters relating to your student visa are managed by the Immigration section of the Australian Diplomatic Mission (the Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy).
For a listing of overseas offices where you can submit your visa application, visit the DIAC Web site. AusAID - sponsored students note that the AusAID Post/Managing Contractor in your home country will organize your visa for you; however you will be responsible for arranging visas and payment of fees for any family member(s) accompanying you.
How do I apply for a student visa?
A step-by-step guide of how to apply for a student visa and application requirements can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Web site. All international students at Heinz College, Australia will require a Student Visa Subclass 573 (excluding AusAID sponsored students who require Subclass 576). You must find out the assessment level and visa requirements (including health and financial) for your country of origin. These factors will determine the visa application process you need to follow.
Your student visa obligations are determined by the conditions on your student visa in your passport. While holding a student visa, you must always comply with these conditions:
| 8101 | You cannot work in Australia. You can however, apply for permission to work after your course commencement (a more detailed explanation of this process appears later). |
| 8105 | You are allowed to work for 20 hours per week while your course is in session. When your course is not is session (e.g. during a semester break), you are permitted to work unrestricted hours. |
| 8202 | You must satisfy course requirements. You must remain enrolled and have an academic result certified by the University as satisfactory. |
| 8206 | You cannot change your education provider within the first 12 months of your course unless you have exceptional circumstances. The application fee to change your education provider costs AU$140 and must be submitted to DIMA directly. |
| 8501 | You must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance (OSHC) during your stay in Australia. |
| 8516 | You must continue to satisfy the requirements for grant of your student visa. |
| 8517 | You must maintain adequate arrangements for the education of school age dependants (6-18 years) that accompany you to Australia. You must meet any education or tuition costs that your dependants incur. |
| 8533 | You must notify your education provider of your address in Australia within 7 days of arrival or of any address change. |
| 8534/8535 | No further stay. If your visa is stamped with this condition, you cannot apply for a new visa in Australia and must return home before your visa expires. |
Extending Your Student Visa
Heinz College’s Manager, International Students and Financial Aid provides information for students seeking visa extension. You must make an appointment with DIAC and have all relevant documents finalized before visiting the department’s offices. Check the DIAC site for the latest Student Visa Checklist. The checklist will provide detailed information regarding necessary documentation to be provided.
Students should make these arrangements at least 2 weeks before their visa is due to expire. Allowing a visa to expire will result in the student becoming an illegal entrant into Australia.
Contacting DIAC
Visa related enquiries – 13 18 81 or visit the Web site.