Schools Sector Visas (Subclass 571)

This visa is for students studying at primary and secondary schools and also for secondary exchange students.  The following guidelines apply to students from Assessment Level 1 countries. Additional requirements will apply to students from Assessment level 2 - 5 countries.

When you have commenced your course of study in Australia, you can work up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

You must maintain satisfactory attendence in your course and make satisfactory course progress throughout the duration of your course.

You can bring dependent family members with you to Australia on this visa.

Students under 18 should be aware of the additional arrangements that must be met in order for a visa to be granted.

•   Full-Time Study: Before you apply for this visa, you must have applied for and been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia;
•   Financial Requirements: You must have enough money to pay for travel, tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay in Australia. You must also have enough money to support your spouse and dependent children, even if they do not travel with you to Australia.
•   Health Requirements: You must meet certain health requirements and may need to undergo a health examination. These examinations must not be completed more than 6 months before your course commencement date;
•   Health Insurance: You must be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia. (Note: you do not need health insurance if you are a Norweigan student covered by the Norweigan National Insurance Scheme or a Swedish student covered by the National Board of Student Aid or Kammarkollegiet;
•   English Language Skills: Your must meet the English language requirements as set out by the Educational Institution to which you are applying;
•   Academic Record: You must meet the Academic History requirements as set out by the Educational Institution to which you are applying; and
•   Character Requirements: You must be of good character. This will be determined at the time of application.

More detailed information regarding this visa and the additional requirements that apply to Assessment level 2 - 5 countries can be obtained through the Australian Migration Advisory.

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