Visas

If you are intending to study a CRICOS registered course in Australia, you will require a student visa.

Your visa subclass depends on what kind of study you wish to do.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for providing advice and issuing visas on entry to Australia. Information on the student visa application process can be found here.

If you intend to stay in Australia for less than three months, you may apply for a short stay visa. To find out which visa to apply, use the student visa chooser tool at the DIAC website.

Streamlined Visa Processing

CQUniversity participates in the Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP) arrangements. This system applies to applicants for undergraduate, postgraduate, PhDs and student exchange programs.

Under this system, DIAC will assess your visa application against a lower assessment level, which means fewer documentation and financial requirements. However, DIAC must be satisfied that you are a genuine temporary entrant and meet health and character requirements.

Overseas Student Health Cover

DIAC requires that international students on student visas have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their studies.

Medibank Private is the preferred OSHC provider for CQUniversity.

Under 18 students

DIAC requires that students under 18 years of age must:

·         Have an approved guardian until they turn 18 years of age

·         Reside in a CQUniversity-approved accommodation

CQUniversity has engaged the services of ISA Guardian & Welfare Services (Australian Guardianship Network) to provide guardians for students under the age of 18. To apply for a guardian please visit www.studentguardians.com and use the online application process.

CQUniversity has engaged the services of Australian Homestay Network (AHN) to provide appropriate accommodation for students under 18 years of age.

CQUniversity will only issue the COE and Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation Welfare (CAAW) documents once guardianship and accommodation have been approved.

Working while studying

International students studying in Australia on a student visa are able to work part-time and do not need to apply for a work visa. From 26 March 2012, all new and existing student visa holders are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during any fortnight while their program is in session.  

Higher Degree by Research students will not be limited in the number of hours that they can work once their program has commenced.

Students often obtain employment in service and hospitality industries. Our Training, Employment and Career Coaching teams on campus will be able to provide you with information on casual and part-time employment opportunities available. The opportunity to work part-time allows you to earn some spending money and meet more people, however you should not rely on these earnings to pay tuition fees or other living expenses.

You need to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) in order to work in Australia. For more information on the TFN, please visit the Australian Tax Office.