Australia boasts some of the best universities in the world, but it also promises students an unforgettable experience. If you’ve already picked out a cool city, a course, chosen a university and a new wardrobe for the hotter climate, all you need is a student visa.
Should be easy, right? It is only easy to obtain a student visa for Australia if you tick all of the boxes and defend your application to the hills with the right evidence. Here we will address the three common reasons why student visas are rejected so you can make sure you get to wear those funky shorts around campus.
1. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
Unfortunately, some people try to abuse Australia’s migration system to enter the country posing as a student without any intention to learn and earn a degree.
To combat this, immigration has devised a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) assessment where applicants need to show they are genuinely coming to Australia to learn – not for some extra time to top up their tan.
You need to show integrity to pass this stage and will need to write a personal statement. The best advice for your statement is to be 100% honest in why you are coming here and try not to be bland or conceal information. For example, tell immigration about any political unrest in your home country stopping you from attending university if that is the case. Moreover, make sure you explain your career path and clearly evidence why this course will provide you with a better future. If you can’t, they will wonder why you really want to study it.
2. Insufficient Funds
Probably the most common reason for having your Australian student visa rejected will be down to money. Studying for a financially stable future must start with money when wanting to apply for this type of visa. There is just no getting around it.
Although the exact amount needed to get the acceptance email often increases, it is currently set around AU$20,000. This money should be used to cover expenses while committing to studies – although students can work for a limited number of hours upon arrival.
Immigration do not want you to arrive and be reliant upon income from a student job as this could end in disaster. If someone is supporting your application, such as a parent, you will need to provide concrete evidence of this. Original bank statements and declarations are expected!
3. How’s Your English?
When you arrive in Australia, you will have to learn the Aussie slang. But before you arrive, you will need to prove your level of English to immigration. After all, if you intend to study at an Australian institution you will need English to succeed.
To make sure you get this part right, consult the immigration site to see what test results they require and cross reference this with the test the university requires. It is not always the same and you may need two sets of test results.
Overall, don’t skip the research or immigration may skip your student visa!
