What is the Student Visa Australia Age Limit in 2024-25?

Are you applying for an Australian student visa? Then, you must know about the age requirements. The Australian student visa (subclass 500) is a visa that is granted to international students. The visa permits you to study in the country for up to 5 years. You can only apply for this visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria of subclass 500 require you to be of a certain age. Therefore, in this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the age limit to obtain a student visa in Australia.

Student Visa Australia Age Limit for a School Student 

The Australian government has set an age limit for school students. The minimum age for school students to apply for a student visa (subclass 500) is 6 years. You need to be 6 years or older to be eligible for this visa. Moreover, you must be of the following age depending on your level of studies.

Class	Maximum Age Limit
12	Less than 20 years of age
11	Less than 19 years of age
10	Less than 18 years of age
9	Less than 17 years of age

Welfare & Custody Arrangements for Applicants Under the Age of 18

An Australian student visa is available to applicants below the age of 18. However, the visa requirements are a little bit different for such students. We have provided the details below:

Age	Welfare & Custody Requirement
Below the age of 18	Complete Form 1229 (parents or guardians consent to give you the visa)
Turn 18 before reaching Australia	Complete form 157N (nomination of a student guardian), and form 1229

Applicants under the age of 18 need to arrange a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW). The welfare arrangements must be made till you turn 18. Your education provider will assist you in getting the CAAW. You also need to complete the Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form (if you are an exchange student). 

Student Visa Australia Age Limit for Being a Genuine Student 

You must be a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)  to obtain a student visa for Australia. A genuine person would mean an individual who:

• Is a genuine student 
• Applying for the visa with the main intention of studying and not settling in the country.

Your intention becomes questionable if your age is above 40 years.

Gap Years & Student Visa Australia Age Limit 

Australian Universities take gap years seriously. Therefore, you should not have a gap year of more than 1-2 years. That is, between your high school graduation and enrolling in a University in Australia.

However, the gap year requirement can vary depending on the level of study you are applying for:

Level of Education	Acceptable Gap Years
Applying to Undergraduate Studies	1-2 years
Applying to a postgraduate course	5 years

If you exceed the gap year provided, you will have to justify the same. That is, whether you were employed, or studying another course, etc.

For example, if you took a gap year because you were employed you can show the salary slip. Similarly, if you could not attend a university because of health reasons you can show your medical record as proof.

Australia Work Visas & Age Limit 

It is important to consider the Australian work visa age limit even if you have met the student visa age limit. That is if you intend to work in Australia after completing your education. The reason is, that even if there is no particular maximum age limit set for a student visa, work visas have a limit.

We have some of the work visas and their age limit below:

Visa	Age Limit
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (normal cases)	Must be under the age of 35
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (exceptional cases)	Be under the age of 50 (if you have used an MA/PhD degree to meet the requirements for Post-Higher Education Work/ost-Study Work stream visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)Points-tested stream	Be under the age of 45
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa	Be under the age of 45
Subclass 407 Training visa	Must be 18 or older
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa	Be under the age of 45

Can a 40 year Old Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?

A 40-year-old can become eligible for a student visa in Australia if he/she has obtained an offer letter from an Australian university. Moreover, such an individual must satisfy the Australian authorities that the reason for visiting Australia is solely education and not settlement.

Furthermore, the reason for the gap years must be justified.

How Can I Get an Australian Visa After 45?

You can get an Australian visa after 45 years of age. Some of the visas that you are eligible for are listed below:

• A parent visa: You can apply for this visa if you have a family member who is an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. Under this, there are 6 categories of visas that you are eligible for in terms of age.
• Partner visa: You can apply for this visa if you have a genuine relationship with a permanent resident or a citizen of Australia.
• Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) Visa: You can apply for this visa if you are internally recognised or have made exceptional achievements in your lifetime.  For example, in sports, or academia.
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa: If you are applying for a sector in which there is a skill shortage in Australia you can become eligible. However, the exception is there like the Permanent Employer Sponsored (subclass 186) visa that has an age limit of 45 years.

Also Read: How to Apply for Visa?

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Australia?

Applying for the student visa can be very easy if you follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Apply to a recognized university in Australia and have a confirmation of Enrolment
2. Give English proficiency tests and clear the exam with the required marks in all the sections.
3. Create an account with the Department of Home Affairs. Apply online and also track the progress of your application online through the dashboard.
4. Pay the visa fee. The fee for international students is $575. After successfully paying the application fee, you will get a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). 
5. Get your health checkup done and appear for the interview. 

English Language Requirements for Student Visa Australia

If the student belongs to a non-English country then he/she has to take the English Language Test (ELT). There are different types of ELT but the student must take the ELT as specified by the University of Australia the student is planning to study.

Check below the details about different types of ELT for student visas in Australia:

English Language Test (ELT)	Overall Score (Minimum)
IELTS	5.5
TOEFL	46
Cambridge English Test	162
PTE	42
Occupational English Test	‘B’ for each test component

Also Read: Study in Australia: Government Fixes Student Visa Delays, Processing Time Reduced to 16 Days

Documents Required for Student Visa Australia

The Immigration and Citizenship Department of the Australian government will require certain documents to process the student visa application. The students should start with the preparation process 90 days before applying for the visa.

Check below the list of documents for a student visa to Australia:

• Long stay application form for more than 90 days
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport size photographs
• Letter of registration from the Australian University applied for
• Confirmation of Enrolment Form
• SOP or a cover letter explaining the project that the student intends to study and also a CV/resume
• Proof of funds that the student can manage the expenses of their tuition fees and other living expenses
• Copies of degrees, certificates, and other educational qualifications required for studying in Australia
• Receipt of payment of application fee

Students belonging to non-English speaking English countries will have to submit proof of English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc

Processing Time for Student Visa Australia Age Limit

The students must apply for the Australian student visa at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the course. The students should start preparing their documents at least 90 days before applying for the visa for a smooth visa application process.

The processing time of student visas for Australia depends upon the volume of applications, the country from which the student is applying, and the type of course he/she is applying for. The processing time for student visas in Australia may range from 10 days to 4 months.

The candidates can check the status of their student visa Australia application through their ImmiAccount.

Also Read: Statement of Purpose – SOP for Canada Student Visa

FAQs

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