study/international/planning your arrival/

Student Visa

As an international student, you will need a valid Australian visa to study at CQUniversity. Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), you will be able to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs website, there are various visa subclasses, which will depend on your level of study. Create an ImmiAccount to get started with your application.

To ensure you arrive on time, the Department of Home Affairs recommends you submit your visa application no later than 6 weeks before your classes commence.

Processing times vary depending on your nationality, so it is best to prepare early.

Once your visa is granted and borders re-open, you should arrange your travel to Australia.

Update

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, CQUniversity is working alongside the frameworks set out by the Australian government. 
The Australian Government has recently updated its Student Visa advice, following a media release, issued on 20 July 2020, which stated:

  1. The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
  2. International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
  3. Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
  4. Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
  5. Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.

Note: New students must first apply for their visa and have it granted prior to starting their studies online, if they wish to have the portion of their studies undertaken offshore count towards their post-study work visa.

Any new student who has commenced their studies online prior to having their visa granted will not have their studies offshore counted towards their post-study work visa.

Keep up-to-date with the latest travel restrictions.

On 1 July 2016, the Department of Home Affairs implemented the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). Under this Framework, CQUniversity is required to ensure that students who apply for admission are both Genuine Temporary Entrants to Australia and genuine students who have access to sufficient funds to support themselves.

This means CQUniversity must be satisfied that:

  • Your main purpose of coming to Australia on a student visa is to study
  • You have the required English proficiency
  • You accept responsibility for obtaining your student visa and that you will comply with the conditions on your visa
  • You have genuine access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition costs, Overseas Student Health Insurance, return airfares and living expenses for yourself and any dependents for the duration of your course
  • You have a genuine understanding of your intended course and its structure, the total cost of your tuition and living expenses in Australia and that you can articulate the advantages of studying in Australia compared to your home country, and how this investment will benefit your future

Please note: CQUniversity has the right to refuse an application if you fail to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirements of the SSVF. Further, the Department of Home Affairs may still refuse your application if they are not satisfied that you are a genuine student, have access to sufficient funds or if you do not meet health and character requirements.

If an overseas student is under the age of 18, the student’s welfare must be maintained for the duration of their stay in Australia as a student visa condition. To maintain welfare, overseas students must:

  • Stay in Australia with a ‘nominated guardian’ approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This guardian can be the student’s parent, person who has legal custody, or an eligible relative who is aged over 21 and is of good character
  • For more information, please contact studentengagement@cqu.edu.au.

As a visa holder, it is your responsibility to be aware of your visa conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the cancellation of your visa. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

  • Complete your course within the duration specified on your COE
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance
  • Maintain approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while in Australia
  • Remain with the principle education provider for six (6) calendar months, unless issued a letter of release from the provider to attend another institution
  • Notify your training provider of your Australian address and any subsequent changes of address within 7 days

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for a full list of student visa conditions.

Next Steps

Arranging Your Travel

When planning your arrival allow enough time for settling in, adjusting to the climate and finding permanent accommodation.

Accommodation

Overview of options for international students ranging from on-campus accommodation to long-term accommodation.

What to bring

Packing list of documents, clothes and other items students should bring and information about what to leave at home.

Life in Australia

Enjoy a unique mix of cultures, food and languages as well as the beautiful landscapes Australia has to offer.  

Find Out More

Bringing Your Family

Get more information about how to bring family members like spouse or de facto partner and dependent children to Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover

Health cover provides access to health services and public hospitals in Australia and is a condition of the student visa.

Working in Australia

You are able to work part time when studying on a student visa. Check the working conditions attached to your visa.