Global Select Education and Migration Services
Posted on
Thursday, September 12, 2024

Applying for a Student Visa with Your Partner: Key Information to Know

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For many students, studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can be even better if your spouse or de facto partner can join you. Fortunately, most countries allow you to include your partner in your student visa application as a secondary applicant, but there are some essential requirements and conditions to be aware of. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a student visa with your partner.

Can You Add Your Partner to Your Student Visa Application?

Yes! You can add your spouse or de facto partner as a secondary applicant to your student visa. However, both you and your partner must meet specific criteria. This includes proving the genuineness of your relationship and satisfying the Department of Home Affairs (or the equivalent body in the country you are applying to) that you both intend to stay temporarily.

What Do You Need to Prove?

To support your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as:

  • A marriage certificate, if you are married.
  • Proof that you have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months, such as:
    • Joint financial documents (e.g., shared property ownership or liabilities)
    • Evidence of shared living arrangements
    • Documentation showing joint household responsibilities

The government may also consider the social aspects of your relationship, such as how you present yourselves to friends and family and any shared plans or joint social activities. Finally, the commitment you show to each other—how long you’ve been together and the emotional support you provide each other—may also be examined.


Important Note: Pre-Existing Relationships Must Be Declared

If your relationship existed before your initial student visa application, you must declare it at that time. If you mistakenly failed to include your partner in your original application, they cannot be added later as a family member applicant.

Working Rights for Your Partner

One of the benefits of adding your partner to your student visa is that they may also have working rights. Generally, your partner's work rights will be the same as yours, but there are exceptions, especially if you are studying at a postgraduate level. For example, if you are pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree, your partner may be allowed to work more than the standard 40 hours per fortnight.

Always check the visa conditions specified in your visa grant letter or use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system for more detailed information about work rights.

Financial Requirements

If you are from a country classified under assessment level 2 or 3, your partner will need to submit financial evidence to support their application, regardless of where they are applying from. This is to prove that you both have enough funds to support yourselves during your stay.

Special Visa Conditions

Your partner can apply for a student visa as a secondary applicant either onshore or offshore. However, if they are currently onshore, they must not have a “no further stay” condition on their current visa. Additionally, if they are already on a student visa while applying as a secondary applicant, they must continue their studies until the new visa is granted to avoid complications.

Including your partner in your student visa application is a great way to have them join you on your study abroad journey. However, make sure you follow all the necessary steps, gather the required evidence, and understand the conditions attached to the visa. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth application process and enjoy your overseas experience together.

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CourseBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeRequirements or ConsiderationsEnglish Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)Tuition Fees (per year for international students)Top Universities
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3 years1-2 yearsClinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
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Accounting
3 years1-2 yearsNeed to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $30,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Engineering (various fields)
4 years1-2 yearsStrong background in mathematics and physics required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $45,000University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University
Social Work
4 years1-2 yearsPractical experience or placements required.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $28,000 - $40,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland
Education (various fields)
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Psychology
3 years1-2 yearsRequires strong research and psychological theory understanding.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland
Occupational Therapy
3-4 years1-2 yearsMay require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $30,000 - $45,000University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University
Architecture
3-4 years2 yearsIncludes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required.Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93.AUD $35,000 - $50,000University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University
Medicine and  Health Sciences
5-6 years2-4 yearsHighly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships.Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101.AUD $45,000 - $70,000University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University
State/TerritorySubclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
New South Wales (NSW)Required for some occupationsRequired for some occupations and regions
Victoria (VIC)RequiredRequired
Queensland (QLD)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
South Australia (SA)Not typically required, conditions applyRequired for some occupations and regions
Western Australia (WA)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Tasmania (TAS)Not typically required, conditions applyNot typically required, conditions apply
Northern Territory (NT)Not typically requiredNot typically required
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)Required, uses Matrix systemRequired, uses Matrix system