These are the key conditions that apply when you study with us on a student visa. We’ll always help you understand and meet them.
Study load & progress
You must complete your course within the timeframe on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). International students study full-time — part-time study isn’t permitted — and we monitor academic progress and attendance, reporting as required under our Course Progress Policy.
Health cover & working
- You must hold valid OSHC for the entire duration of your CoE — see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for details.
- Under visa condition 8105, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (across all employers combined) during study periods, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- This matters more than it might seem: the Department of Home Affairs recorded 12,400 visa cancellations in 2024 alone for work-hour breaches. Keep a simple log of your hours if you’re working more than one job.
- Maintaining your enrolment conditions, including OSHC, is your responsibility — and we’re here to help you stay on track.
English & under-18 students
On arrival, your English may be assessed; if needed, you’ll complete an English course before starting your main program. Students under 18 must have Home Affairs-approved welfare and accommodation arrangements in place — known as a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) — before their visa can be granted.
Bringing dependants
If you bring school-aged children, expect to pay public school fees — but the amount depends on your state, visa subclass and category, and can range widely. Fees and exemptions differ between Victoria and Queensland, so confirm the current rate directly with Study Victoria (Melbourne) or the Queensland Department of Education (Brisbane) before you budget. Also check dependant visa requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.
Changing or leaving your course
If you’re considering transferring to another registered provider, note that international students generally can’t transfer within the first six months of their principal course without a Letter of Release — except in specific circumstances such as provider closure or a substantiated complaint. See our Course Transfer Policy, or talk to Student Support before making any decisions.
Payments & privacy
A 2% surcharge applies to Visa, Mastercard and American Express payments, so bank transfer is recommended. We collect personal information only as required by law, in line with our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy, and you can request access to your records at reception.
Your conditions at a glance
- Study full-time, within your CoE timeframe, and maintain satisfactory attendance and progress.
- Hold valid OSHC for your entire visa duration.
- Stay within 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods (unlimited during breaks).
- Tell us early if you’re considering changing course or provider — a Letter of Release may be required.
- Keep your contact details and address current with us at all times.
Keep exploring
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — your visa-required health insurance.
- Living in Australia — settling in, costs, and where to get support.
- Planning Your Arrival — what to book and pack before you fly.
- Policies and Procedure — the full policy library referenced on this page.