Student Visa (Step by step)

athelene · April 2021

@engr_anna24 said:
Hello everyone! I just wanna gather insights on my case since I just started my research on immigrating to Aus. I am a Civil Engineer working as a QC engineer for horizontal projects for more than 4 years now. I'm not confident if I can pass the skilled assessment sa Engineers Australia since I've been doing more paper works and not so much on the technical on-field work. I was thinking of getting a VET or an associate degree but the education agent told me it would be risky and masters is the safer route. I'm quite confused why mas risky po yung VET and associate degree? Also, I'm quite hesitant to get masters since it's quite expensive. Would love to hear from everyone. Thank you!

It's "risky" because VET and associate degree are lower than bachelor's degree on the AQF (Australian Qualification Framework). A bachelor's degree is Level 7 on the AQF, whereas Diploma is Level 5 and Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree is Level 6. If you're a CE (I'm assuming you have a bachelor's degree in CE), it doesn't make sense to study an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering in Australia because you're downgrading.

A master's degree is AQF Level 9, which is an upgrade from Level 7 (bachelor's degree), so most education agents will suggest this to increase the likelihood of getting a visa. Yes, the master's degree is expensive, mainly because only universities and very few private institutions offer them. And universities cost a lot to run (just think of the facilities, extensive library resources, and student services that you can access). VET courses are offered by smaller institutions, which have smaller facilities, fewer resources, limited student services (as compared to universities), and I assume that's why the fees are half the cost of studying at universities.

It may, however, be possible to do a VET course if you're looking to specialize in topics not taught in your bachelor's degree, and you'll state that in your GTE. Maybe you want to specialize in Project Management or something; it's related to CE, but it's not covered in detail in CE bachelor's degree. But whether you get approved for studies at a lower AQF is at the DHA's discretion, but generally they would look into whether the Australian program will be of benefit to you according to your career goals/aspirations (career development).

Look into the Ministerial Direction 69 to get an insight of what they're looking for in the GTE (as this is required for student visa application).

wangeps · April 2021

hello po. sino po dito nagpaplan magmasters sa engineering field? or may iba ba kayong alam na alternative na degree level an eligible din for Post Study Work visa? sabi kasi ng advisor ko mas recommended yung masters kasi 2yrs ang duration unlike dun sa una kong plan na graduate diploma. sana po may makasagot hehe thank you!

athelene · April 2021

@wangeps said:
hello po. sino po dito nagpaplan magmasters sa engineering field? or may iba ba kayong alam na alternative na degree level an eligible din for Post Study Work visa? sabi kasi ng advisor ko mas recommended yung masters kasi 2yrs ang duration unlike dun sa una kong plan na graduate diploma. sana po may makasagot hehe thank you!

I'm not engineering field, but AFAIK only Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degree lang ang pwede for Post-Study Work Visa. Graduate Diploma is only for 1 year (2 semesters) study so it will not qualify. The Master's degree is usually 1.5-2 years, but opt for the 2 years so you can get 2-year grad visa. The Bachelor's degree is usually for 3 years, but you only get 2-year grad visa (same as Master's), so the Master's degree is more economical between the two.

It is an option, however, to apply for a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma if you don't want to commit to a Master's degree right away, and then just continue on with the Master's if you really want to (apply to the uni to change your program to a Master's degree before the GradCert/GradDip is awarded). But you will need to apply to extend the SV to reflect the new eCoE.

kiteano · April 2021

Hi! Just want to ask about SV. My family and I are planning to migrate via SV track. What would be more advisable to take, diploma or masters?
Anyone who as idea on SV holders and their dependents’ working rights?
TIA

xiaoxue · April 2021

@kiteano said:
Hi! Just want to ask about SV. My family and I are planning to migrate via SV track. What would be more advisable to take, diploma or masters?
Anyone who as idea on SV holders and their dependents’ working rights?
TIA

Student visa 500 holders and dependents: 20 hours per week
Family members of students studying a masters or a doctorate degree can work unrestricted hours

unicayen · May 2021

Hello po. I just want to ask some advice regarding SV. Do you think it’s good to apply SV now for next year’s intake. I am a nursing graduate pero hindi RN at walang experience. So nalilito ako ano ba dapat kong gawin. At first ang desisyon namin mag-aaral ako ulit ng 3yrs kaso lang sa situation ngayon na wlang kasiguraduhan kung kelan mag-open ang border, nagdalawang isip na kami. Do you think mas okay na magtry muna ako magboard exam dito sa pinas tpos pag pinalad na makapasa, kukuha ako experience and apply for OBA nalang? Please advise me what would be the best thing to do. Nadepressed lang ako kasi nasira lahat ng plan. Me and my husband resigned from our job in Dubai last year pra dito tapos bgla nakapandemic😣

rmatanaciojr · October 2021

Hello! I'm an architect here in the Philippines, and I'm planning to take Master of Architecture in Australia. Is it possible? If so, is it an eligible pathway? Thank you.

athelene · October 2021

@rmatanaciojr said:
Hello! I'm an architect here in the Philippines, and I'm planning to take Master of Architecture in Australia. Is it possible? If so, is it an eligible pathway? Thank you.

I believe architect is still in the MLTSSL, so that can be your nominated occupation after completing an accredited MArch (OQA will not be required, only the Verification of Australian Architecture Qualification). However, getting an invitation under the 189 visa takes time because of the high points trend lately. EOIs with 90-95+ points are being invited, and the ones getting them are usually accounting, IT, and engineering professionals. State-sponsored 190 visas would be your best bet I think, but you'll have to check which state/territory has architect in their skilled shortage list.

The MArch can definitely boost your points (2-year Australian study), especially if you study in a regional area (cities outside Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane). Then you can gain more points if you get at least one year Australian work experience in the nominated occupation. The downside of the MArch is that it's expensive and a lot of work. The border isn't open yet, so if you're considering to do online study for MArch, I suggest you don't take it online.

Doing design studio requires a lot of work and effort (it's double the standard number of credits), and the peer learning (talking to classmates about design) is an important aspect of it. Having done studio both face-to-face and online, I enjoyed the face-to-face mode as it is much more interactive and interesting, plus the feedback from the tutors are real-time/instantaneous. Also, you get access to the fabrication lab (3D printing, laser cutting, timber and steel workshops) if you are on campus.

renhz · October 2021

Does anyone here acknowledge the page of "Respall Migration Australia" in Facebook? Is there really an assessment for free? TIA po sa sasagot.

robinsyreyes · October 2021

@renhz said:
Does anyone here acknowledge the page of "Respall Migration Australia" in Facebook? Is there really an assessment for free? TIA po sa sasagot.

Initial assessment is free, they will check your credentials. Recommend nila for visa application if you have high points potential based on your job class, educ, exp, age

emzkie · October 2021

Hello po.

Ask ko lang if there is anyone here graduated/still studying/will study in a regional NSW Uni? Or may alam po kayong University in regional NSW offering Master's in Prof. Acctg?

Thank you

hikari · October 2021

@emzkie said:
Hello po.

Ask ko lang if there is anyone here graduated/still studying/will study in a regional NSW Uni? Or may alam po kayong University in regional NSW offering Master's in Prof. Acctg?

Thank you

Hello!

University of Wollongong
https://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/information/index.html?course=master-of-professional-accounting

University of New Castle
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/master-professional-accounting

emzkie · October 2021

@hikari said:

@emzkie said:
Hello po.

Ask ko lang if there is anyone here graduated/still studying/will study in a regional NSW Uni? Or may alam po kayong University in regional NSW offering Master's in Prof. Acctg?

Thank you

Hello!

University of Wollongong
https://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/information/index.html?course=master-of-professional-accounting

University of New Castle
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/master-professional-accounting

thanks a lot @hikari

yojenitsuj · November 2021

Hello po. Has anyone here had taken Torrens University online english test?

MileRap · December 2021

Ask ko lang po sana meron po ba rito na na-grant po ang visa gamit po ang job offer letter as proof po para sa GTE strong home ties po? Plan na lang po sana namin na makiusap/request po sa company (na kakilala ng friend ko) para po gawan po kami nito. Di po kasi kami makarequest sa employer po namin ngayon dahil mukhang mahirap po makarequest ng letter of recommendation or any letter na magagamit ko po for my strong ties. No fund and properties po kasi kami. Pero may friend po na citizen na mag-sponsor. May nakapag-share na po kaya rito sa forum ng sample job offer format ng company sa PH. Sana po may makapansin need lang po sana ng format ng letter. Thank you!

CJ2021 · December 2021

Hello good day! Need advice lang po on my student path in AU, planning to take masters in UTS under professional engineering - civil engineering. Yun po kase na-suggest ng agent ko, meron na akong 4years experience here in PH as draftsman, now I'm considering to take nalang advance diploma since mas mura yung tuition, advisable po ba siya? Btw, I'm 30yrs old right now and planning na isama wife ko as dependent.

athelene · December 2021

@CJ2021 said:
Hello good day! Need advice lang po on my student path in AU, planning to take masters in UTS under professional engineering - civil engineering. Yun po kase na-suggest ng agent ko, meron na akong 4years experience here in PH as draftsman, now I'm considering to take nalang advance diploma since mas mura yung tuition, advisable po ba siya? Btw, I'm 30yrs old right now and planning na isama wife ko as dependent.

It depends on what you are trying to achieve in Australia. Have you had your PH qualifications assessed with EA yet? Which occupation are you planning to nominate?

If you have a bachelor's degree in engineering and you're planning to take advanced diploma, you have to justify on your GTE how the advanced diploma will benefit you in the long term. The advanced diploma is at a lower level than a bachelor degree on the AQF, and the occupation you can typically nominate after completing this adv diploma might only be at engineering technologist, associate, or draftsperson level. If you are nominating a professional engineering occupation (not just draftsperson) for migration, a bachelor's or higher degree is the minimum qualification.

Generally to address the GTE for the student pathway, you need to show why studying in Australia is better than studying in your home country. If the advanced diploma contains specialist subjects not taught in the bachelor degree, that can be a way to justify why you're pursuing that instead of a master's degree. However, doing a master's degree is usually recommended as a "safer and easier" pathway because it's clearly a step up from a bachelor's degree, showing a progression in your studies.

I have no idea about the networks/connections of schools offering advanced diploma, but from my experience, universities with accedited engineering degrees usually have excellent connections with industry (like presence in on-campus job fairs, campus events, clubs/societies), which can give you that "foot through the door." Occasionally, there may also be lecturers at uni who are working full-time at engineering firms, so you can actually gain good contacts and insights about what it's like to work in industry. Getting a job in Australia can be quite difficult if you don't know anyone from industry. It's not about what you know (or what you studied), but it's about who you know.

CJ2021 · December 2021

Thanks Athelene for the detailed response, appreciate your effort to explain and share your knowledge here.

Panorama1 · January 2022

Hello po.

My wife is planning to take up SV under Commercial Cookery (cert 3, cert 4 and advanced diploma in hospitality management). tapos magiging dependent nya po ako. tanong ko lang po sana if magandang way po ba ito for PR pathway?

thank you po

lunarcat · January 2022

@Panorama1 said:
Hello po.

My wife is planning to take up SV under Commercial Cookery (cert 3, cert 4 and advanced diploma in hospitality management). tapos magiging dependent nya po ako. tanong ko lang po sana if magandang way po ba ito for PR pathway?

thank you po

I believe there's PR pathway sa cookery. Pero make sure din na you have experience and your job is related sa course na kinuha. Check if it's eligible sa Visa 485 ( I think this has been changed now) na pwedi ka maka work full-time after studying. Student visa is different sa PR. For me, medjo pahirapan makakuha ng PR sa Australia if you don't have the skills and experience. Madali ang PR pathway through sponsorship ng company and partners visa. Unless, malaki na points and enough na experience to gain points.

lizzi · January 2022

Hi. Ask ko lang, does the immigration work ng weekend? Hehe. Iniisip ko lang if possible magkaprogress ung application ko ng weekend. Hehehe.

lunarcat · January 2022

@lizzi said:
Hi. Ask ko lang, does the immigration work ng weekend? Hehe. Iniisip ko lang if possible magkaprogress ung application ko ng weekend. Hehehe.

Sa pagkakaalam ko mga govt offices they work usual business days.

lizzi · January 2022

Thank you @lunarcat

Narefer kasi ung medical ko. Waiting pko for clearance (sana sana) kasi sabi ni st lukes wala naman daw sila need kasi sa knila din ako ngtreatment ng ptb. Usually gano ktagal bago mgbigay clearance ang BUPA?

lunarcat · January 2022

@lizzi said:
Thank you @lunarcat

Narefer kasi ung medical ko. Waiting pko for clearance (sana sana) kasi sabi ni st lukes wala naman daw sila need kasi sa knila din ako ngtreatment ng ptb. Usually gano ktagal bago mgbigay clearance ang BUPA?

Onshore ka ba or offshore? BUPA is for OSHC ba or OVHC? If you were talking about the health insurance for SV, I'd received mine after I purchased the insurance then yon na pinresent ng agent ko sa immigration yong receipt/invoice.

lizzi · January 2022

Oh. Sa PH ako. Hmm. Sabi kasi sa immi account ko:

Examinations Ready for Assessment - No Action Required.
The required health examinations have been completed and submitted by the panel clinic to the department. This person's case will be processed or referred to the department's migration medical services provider, Bupa Medical Visa Services, for further assessment.

Ayan. Hehe. So i was wondering gano katagal mgassess si Bupa.

lunarcat · January 2022

@lizzi said:
Oh. Sa PH ako. Hmm. Sabi kasi sa immi account ko:

Examinations Ready for Assessment - No Action Required.
The required health examinations have been completed and submitted by the panel clinic to the department. This person's case will be processed or referred to the department's migration medical services provider, Bupa Medical Visa Services, for further assessment.

Ayan. Hehe. So i was wondering gano katagal mgassess si Bupa.

I'm not sure if I'm getting it right, do you have health condition na nakita during medical? And they're waiting for BUPA to assess you? Di ko alam yong process if may existing condition. 😂 Kase nong nag pa medical ako sa national sila na nag upload ng result ko gamit HapID. Tas yong Australian health insurance ko binayaran ko na received receipt invoice bigay sa agent and wala ng transfer or ginawang assessment pa. Nag DIY ka?

athelene · January 2022

@lizzi said:
Oh. Sa PH ako. Hmm. Sabi kasi sa immi account ko:

Examinations Ready for Assessment - No Action Required.
The required health examinations have been completed and submitted by the panel clinic to the department. This person's case will be processed or referred to the department's migration medical services provider, Bupa Medical Visa Services, for further assessment.

Ayan. Hehe. So i was wondering gano katagal mgassess si Bupa.

When did you do your medical exam? As far as I know, Bupa and Home Affairs only work Mondays to Fridays. If you received any notification on a weekend, it's probably automatically-generated. There is no notification or change with ImmiAccount status from the time you do your health exam to the visa grant, as far as I can remember. As you have already completed your health exam, it's all up to Bupa and the visa officers about the approval.

Bupa will forward the results of your health exam to Home Affairs, but they will not inform you when they've done so. Home Affairs will also not send a notice whether they've received the results. If Home Affairs has any other requirements from you, they will email you to request for it.

I have done onshore and offshore student visa applications, and in both instances, the time between completing health exam and visa grant was 3-4 weeks. For my offshore application, I also went to a panel clinic in the country I was in, and they forwarded the results to Bupa (pre-pandemic, February 2018). 2-3 weeks later, I received the visa grant. For onshore application, I went to Bupa Medical Services mismo for my health exam (this was Aug 2020), and got my visa grant in roughly 3 weeks din. I don't know much has changed for visa processing time since 2020, but I'd say just keep an eye out on your email for the visa grant (assuming Home Affairs does not require more info).

lizzi · January 2022

Thank you both for the clear explanation! 😊

lizzi · January 2022

Di ako DIY. May agent naman ako. Pero I like to know other people’s experiences lang din. Kakatapos ko lang naman ng medical nung Jan 6.
Jan-July2020 ngtreatment ako for ptb sa st lukes. Kaso di ako nkaalis so umulit ako ng medical nitong Jan6,2022. Okay din na sa knila ako ngtreatment kaya ung prev records ko kita na nila agad wala nko sinubmit. Hehe. Wala na daw sila need from their end pero of course narefer xa kasi may record parin. Ayun. So hoping na mabgyan ng clearance soon para ung totoong waiting game ng visa approval (hopefully) mgstart na. Hehe.

lunarcat · January 2022

@lizzi said:
Di ako DIY. May agent naman ako. Pero I like to know other people’s experiences lang din. Kakatapos ko lang naman ng medical nung Jan 6.
Jan-July2020 ngtreatment ako for ptb sa st lukes. Kaso di ako nkaalis so umulit ako ng medical nitong Jan6,2022. Okay din na sa knila ako ngtreatment kaya ung prev records ko kita na nila agad wala nko sinubmit. Hehe. Wala na daw sila need from their end pero of course narefer xa kasi may record parin. Ayun. So hoping na mabgyan ng clearance soon para ung totoong waiting game ng visa approval (hopefully) mgstart na. Hehe.

Good luck on your application