For international students already in Australia, navigating university admissions, course changes, and visa requirements can be confusing. Unfortunately, there are many wrong beliefs about how the system works, leading students to make poor decisions or miss valuable opportunities.
Since today is April Fools’ Day, let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions students fall for when it comes to admissions, course changes, and staying compliant with their student visa!
Some students assume that after arriving in Australia, they can freely switch to any course or university. However, course changes are subject to strict visa conditions. If you switch to a lower-level course (e.g.,from a Bachelor’s to a Diploma), you may need to apply for a new visa. Always check with your education provider and the Department of Home Affairs before making changes.
Think switching courses is simple? Think again!Changing your course can have serious visa implications. If your new course does not align with your original visa application, your student visa (subclass500) could be at risk. Always consult your institution’s international student office or a registered migration agent before making a decision.
Many students believe they can drop subjects to reduce workload without any consequences. However, most student visas require full-time enrollment (usually 100% of the required credits). Dropping subjects could violate visa Condition 8202 (maintaining enrollment), leading to visa cancellation. The only exceptions are for approved reasons like medical conditions, which require formal approval from your institution.
Transferring to a different university is possible, but it’s not always easy. If you want to transfer before completing six months of your principal course, you’ll need a release letter from your current institution. Some universities have strict policies on this, and without proper approval, your new enrollment could be denied.
Some students think that if their visa expires, they can simply apply for a new one without consequences. However, staying inAustralia unlawfully can lead to serious issues, including visa bans. If your visa is about to expire and you need more time for your studies, apply for an extension in advance to avoid complications.
Since COVID-19, many students assume that online study is always an option. However, student visa holders must study full-time on campus unless their course has specific online components approved by the institution. Too many online subjects could lead to non-compliance with visa conditions.
While international students can work part-time, there are limits. Under the normal visa conditions, students can work up to 48hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Exceeding this limit could result in visa cancellation. During scheduled breaks, full-time work is allowed, but always check for the latest rules.
If your enrollment is canceled due to poor attendance, unpaid fees, or failing grades, your visa could be canceled too. The institution is required to inform the Department of Home Affairs, which may lead to visa termination. If you face academic difficulties, seek support early to avoid losing your place.
Some students believe they can stay in Australia indefinitely after finishing their course. In reality, once your student visa expires, you must either apply for a new visa (such as a Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485) or leave the country. Staying without a valid visa can lead to serious consequences.
There are many misleading beliefs about admissions and course changes for international students in Australia. Falling for these can put your studies and visa status at risk. Always rely on official sources, consult your institution’s student services, and speak with registered migration agents before making important decisions.
On this April Fools’ Day, don’t be fooled by bad advice! If you have any questions or need expert guidance, seek professional help to stay on the right track.
A Guide for International Students Seeking PR
Victoria has shared important insights on their pre-invite process for Registration of Interest (ROI).
Navigating the complexities of student visa conditions can be overwhelming for international students in Australia. Among the various conditions tied to the Student Visa (Subclass 500), Condition 8202, which mandates maintaining enrollment, often stands out as both critical and misunderstood.
| Course | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Requirements or Considerations | English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Tuition Fees (per year for international students) | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nursing | 3 years | 1-2 years | Clinical placements required; may need specific health immunizations. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Information Technology | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require programming skills or prior coursework in IT. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $50,000 | Australian National University, University of New South Wales, University of Melbourne |
Accounting | 3 years | 1-2 years | Need to meet accreditation standards by professional bodies. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $30,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Engineering (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | Strong background in mathematics and physics required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $45,000 | University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Social Work | 4 years | 1-2 years | Practical experience or placements required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $40,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland |
Education (various fields) | 4 years | 1-2 years | A police clearance and working with children check required. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $28,000 - $35,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University |
Psychology | 3 years | 1-2 years | Requires strong research and psychological theory understanding. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland |
Occupational Therapy | 3-4 years | 1-2 years | May require pre-registration or relevant clinical experience. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $30,000 - $45,000 | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Curtin University |
Architecture | 3-4 years | 2 years | Includes technical and creative coursework, portfolio may be required. | Minimum IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 79-93. | AUD $35,000 - $50,000 | University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University |
Medicine and Health Sciences | 5-6 years | 2-4 years | Highly competitive entry, includes clinical placements and internships. | Minimum IELTS 7.0; TOEFL 94-101. | AUD $45,000 - $70,000 | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University |
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Required for some occupations | Required for some occupations and regions |
| Victoria (VIC) | Required | Required |
| Queensland (QLD) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
| South Australia (SA) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Required for some occupations and regions |
| Western Australia (WA) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Not typically required, conditions apply | Not typically required, conditions apply |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Not typically required | Not typically required |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Required, uses Matrix system | Required, uses Matrix system |
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