Immigration and visas

Student Visas

All international students must obtain a valid student visa from the Australian Government for the duration of their degree program. If you are offered a place at University College, upon receipt of your payment and authorised Pre-Visa Assessment form (if required), a Confirmation of Enrolment for Overseas Students (CEOS) form will be issued. You will need to take your copy of the CEOS form to the Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country to obtain a Student Visa.

Student Visas

The first thing all international students must do to arrange entry into Australia is to obtain a valid student visa from a nearby Australian embassy or consulate. If you are offered a place at ADFA details of how to apply for your student visa will be sent with your offer letter.

Whilst it is possible for holders of visitors visas from certain countries to obtain 'student visa' within Australia, it is advisable to confirm the possibility with the Australian diplomatic post in your home country before leaving home.

Understanding Your Visa Conditions

International students are granted a student visa to cover the duration of their study program as specified in the eCoe (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment) issued by the University.

Student visas are granted subject to a number of conditions. Failure to comply with a condition of your visa may result in cancellation of the visa. If your student visa is cancelled, you would be required to leave Australia.

You are strongly advised to read and understand the conditions of your visa. These visa conditions are represented by a 4-digit code on your student visa (e.g. 8202, 8501,8533, 8206, 8101). For a list of the explanations of your visa conditions, please refer to the information booklet under your visa subclass in the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you satisfy the requirements of these visa conditions.

What Will Happen If I Do Not Comply With the Above Conditions?

You must comply with all of the above conditions. However, if you fail to comply with visa conditions 8202 and 8533, the University is obliged under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) to inform DIMA. A letter will be issued to you advising you that you have 28 days to attend a specified DIMA office to resolve the matter. If you fail to report, your visa will be automatically cancelled and you will be subject to removal from Australia unless the cancellation is revoked.

When you report to the DIMA office, the automatic cancellation process is stopped and a decision made whether or not to cancel the visa. If the breach is substantiated, migration law requires that the visa must be cancelled.

Who Should I Contact for More Advice?

If you have difficulties understanding your student visa conditions or wish to discuss any personal issues that are affecting you, you can contact an Adviser at the Student Administrative Services, Tatiana Romanovsky on +61 2 6268 6006.

You should contact NewSouth Q (Student Enquiries) or your academic adviser/program authority/Faculty office for advice regarding your enrolment, academic performance, progression or intention to take course leave.

For information on your student visa and details of all visa conditions, refer to the DIMA website or contact the nearest Australian Embassy in your own country.