Our advisers can guide you through your visa application and assist with documents. We can also connect you with authorised agents and official Australian Government visa information.
Phone: +61 3 9918 9188
Visas
Secure your student visa to study at Deakin University, Australia
Organising your visa is an important step to study at Deakin. We support you in preparing your application and can direct you to accurate Australian Government visa information.
What is a student visa?
If you are an international student, you must have a valid student visa to live and study in Australia. Your visa confirms that you are allowed to study at Deakin and stay in the country for the duration of your course.
Visa options for international students
There are different visas that international students and their families may hold while studying in Australia. It is important to know your visa and meet all conditions.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
This student visa allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of your course. Most international students enrolled in a full-time course at a recognised educational institution will hold this visa. You can usually include family members in your application, such as your partner or dependent children under 18. They must meet eligibility requirements and may have visa conditions of their own, like restrictions on work or study.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
This student guardian visa lets a parent, guardian or other approved adult provide care and support for a student visa holder under 18. In special cases, it may also apply to students who are 18 or older. Guardians must meet health, character and financial requirements, and cannot usually work while in Australia.
Other visas
In special circumstances, some students may study on other visa types, such as bridging visas or temporary residence visas. If your current visa allows study for a shorter period than your course, you must apply for a Student Visa.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Visa costs for international students
Your student visa starts from around AUD $2,000. Each family member applying with you will have an additional fee. You might also need to pay for health checks, police certificates or biometrics. Use the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to check the latest fees and plan your budget.
How to apply for your visa
Apply for your course
Before you can apply for a student visa, you must first apply for your Deakin degree. You can apply online or through a Deakin authorised international agent in your country.Accept your offer
Once your application is successful, you will receive an offer from Deakin. You must accept this offer to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).Prepare your visa documents
Before applying for your student visa, make sure you have:- a valid passport
- your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- the ability to pay visa application fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your course end date on your CoE, plus two additional months. If your course ends in November or December, you must purchase OSHC until 15 March of the following year.
- all other documents required for your visa application.
Apply for your student visa
Submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure you provide all required documents to avoid delays or issues.
What happens after you apply?
After you submit your student visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will send you a receipt number. Check your ImmiAccount regularly for updates or requests for more information. Responding quickly helps avoid delays.
Visa processing can take longer during peak periods or if documents are missing or need verification. Do not book travel until your visa has been granted.
Once approved, you will receive your visa grant number, expiry date, and conditions. Keep a copy of this information while in Australia.
If your visa is refused, the Department will notify you in writing. They will explain the reason and whether you can request a review.
Get help with your student visa application
Deakin authorised international agents can assist you with your student visa application. They help you prepare documents and understand the process, keeping you informed and confident.
Conditions of your student visa
Your student visa comes with conditions you must meet while studying in Australia. Following these conditions keeps your visa valid and helps ensure your studies at Deakin are successful. Our staff can explain how these conditions affect your enrolment and direct you to official Australian Government visa information.
As a student on a Subclass 500 visa, you must:
- be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course and maintain a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- complete your course within the timeframe listed on your CoE
- keep Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay in Australia
- inform Deakin of your residential address within 7 days of arrival and update any changes within 7 days
- maintain suitable education arrangements for any school-age dependents
- not exceed the maximum work hours allowed on your visa
- complete at least six calendar months in your principal course before transferring to another provider, unless you have applied for a release.
Studying part of your degree online
You can study up to one third of your course units online if you are an international student. This is calculated from your total course points, after any recognition of prior learning is deducted.
Working on a student visa
If you hold a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course. Compulsory work experience for your course does not count towards this limit. During trimester breaks, or when you are not studying, you can work unlimited hours.
Taking a break from study in Australia
Sometimes you may need to pause your studies for personal, medical, or family reasons. You must apply for permission so your enrolment and visa remain valid. Our team can guide you through your options.
Intermission
An intermission is a formal break that lasts for the rest of a trimester or a full trimester. You can take up to two consecutive trimesters if approved. You may apply if you are experiencing illness, a death in the family, or another serious event outside your control. While on intermission, you can stay in Australia and continue to work if your visa allows.
Short-term leave of absence
Short-term leave lets you take up to 10 working days off during a trimester. You can apply if you need to return home for medical treatment, attend a wedding or funeral, support a family member, or manage a family emergency. Taking short-term leave may affect your visa or CoE. Speak to a student adviser before making plans.
Changing your enrolment
You may be able to change your degree while studying at Deakin. The options depend on your course type and visa. Changing your degree may affect your student visa status. Talk with our team before making decisions. They can guide you and explain what it means for your enrolment and visa.
