Can I change my Course?

If you want to change to a new course at the same level of qualification, you do not need to apply for a new Student visa unless your current visa is about to expire.

However there are two main exceptions.

-1- Different Education Provider
If your new course will be with a different education provider, you must demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying the change of your enrolment.

Exceptional circumstances can include:

• the provider ceasing operations,
• an Australian Government sponsor considering the change to be in the best interest of the student, and has provided written support,
• the original provider stating in writing that the course is inappropriate, that is it does not adequately meet the needs of the student, and
• compassionate and compelling circumstances.

-2- Changing levels of qualification
If you want to change your level of qualification, you will need to apply for a new Student visa because your visa subclass will have changed. Example: Changing from a graduate diploma to a PhD degree.

In all cases of a student wanting to change their education provider Oz-Study recommends the student discuss the situation with DIMIA and their student counsellor before making a final decision.

Now all students have the opportunity to study and work in Australia with these special Oz-Study programs that are specially designed for students wanting Internships and Working Holiday Makers.

The work and study programs offered are for betwwen 2-15 weeks English Language study to help you prepare for work in an Australian Company as well as a free placement service for the work componant.

For more information on either of these options please go to the Internships or Working Holiday Maker pages listed in the News and Events sections of the Oz-Study website.

What you need to know!

Visa

A person who wants to study in Australia for a period of more than 12-weeks must get a Student Visa before they can begin to study their course in Australia.

To be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the application charge and satisfy the student visa requirements. You can be granted a student visa only if you intend to undertake a registered course or part of a registered course on a full-time basis.

For more detailed information please consult an Australian Embassy or Consulate nearest you or refer to the information contained in the Visa Requirements Page of this web site.

Money

Before lodging your application you should consider whether you will have enough money to set up house in Australia as well as pay for your return air fare, course tuition fees, overseas student health cover (OSHC) and all general expenses during your stay in Australia.

As a general guide, your accommodation, food, transport, clothes and expenses could cost you between AUD$250 to AUD$400 per week, depending on your lifestyle and where in Australia you will study.

Note: You should be aware that these amounts are only an indication of everyday expenses and do not include airfares, health insurance or the cost of your course.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

It is a condition of granting your Overseas Student Visa that you and your dependents have acceptable health insurance cover during the whole time you are in Australia.

To be covered for health insurance, you will have to pay the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and any family members travelling with you.
The OSHC provides medical and hospital insurance for overseas students and their dependants who have travelled to Australia with them.
All applicants must show evidence that they have health insurance cover before a visa can be issued to them.

To arrange for the OSHC, students can pay the OSHC premium to the education provider, which will then arrange to pay the health insurance cover on your behalf.

Working while studying

As an overseas student in Australia, you should have enough money to support yourself and your family for the entire time that you are studying.
You are not automatically given the right to work once you are in Australia.

If you do need to get a job while studying, you will need to apply for and get a new student visa with permission to work attached as a condition of that visa.

Students can only apply for a visa with work rights after they arrive in Australia and the student has begun studying.
The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is AUD$50. Work rights cannot be given with a student visa granted outside Australia.

If a student visa with work rights is granted, you will only be allowed to work for 20 hours a week while you are studying at the Australian education provider. However, you can work for longer periods during your holidays.

The money you earn from working in Australia should only supplement your income and not be used as your only source of income.
If you do possess a valid work visa for Australia there are many opportunities to work, study and travel around the country. Most of this work will be seasonal work and much of it will be either in the agriculture sector or the tourist industry.

Please note that Oz-Study is able to assist prospective students look for work but we do warn all students that although work in the rural sector can be an attractive option to overseas visitors, it is often very difficult, physically demanding and not guaranteed.