Visa Types for Studying in Australia
The visa you need to study in Australia depends on how long you plan to study and why. Here is an overview of the main visas related to studying in Australia and what each one allows.
Student Visa
How Long You Can Study
3 months or more. The maximum length depends on your course and education provider (for example, up to 3, 5 or 6 years).
Working in Australia
Yes (working hours are limited)
Notes
- Dependants can accompany you
- You may be asked to have a health examination, depending on your circumstances
- A student visa application cannot be made for a child under 6 on their own
Working Holiday Visa
How Long You Can Study
4 months (17 weeks) or less
Working in Australia
Yes
Notes
- Available only to citizens of eligible countries and regions
- Age limits apply when you apply
- After a second Working Holiday visa is granted, you can again study for 4 months (17 weeks) or less
- You may be asked to have a health examination, depending on your activities in Australia
- Dependants cannot accompany you
Tourist Visa
How Long You Can Study
3 months (12 weeks) or less
Working in Australia
No
Notes
- The type of tourist visa and its conditions depend on your nationality
- If you want to study for more than 3 months (12 weeks), you need to apply for a student visa
Student Guardian Visa
How Long You Can Study
English language courses of up to 20 hours a week, for up to 3 months (12 weeks)
Working in Australia
No
Notes
- Dependants under 6 can accompany you
- When an accompanying dependant turns 6, a student visa application is needed
Top-notch does not give individual visa advice or tell you whether you are likely to be granted a visa. If you need professional advice about visas, please speak to a registered migration agent (MARA-registered). You can search for registered migration agents on the website of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), an Australian government body: MARA registered migration agent search.
Because of recent changes to Australian migration law, from 2 October 2026 new student visa applications can only be made from outside Australia. In Australia, only people who already hold a student visa can apply to extend it. You can no longer switch to a student visa in Australia after arriving on a tourist visa, a Working Holiday visa or similar. (Before the change, some people did this.) Visa conditions and rules can change without notice, so please check the latest information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Free Consultation
Based on your study purposes, study duration, budget, education and work history, and current English level, Top-notch will present you with the study plans and education providers best suited to your needs.
Top-notch does not just help you choose education providers or courses. Top-notch also considers your future goals, career plans, student life in Australia and possible pathways after your studies, and gives advice on all of these areas. Let's work together to find the study option that is right for you.
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