AUSTRALIA’S STUDENT VISA PROGRAMME

SCHOOLS SECTOR

Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Key requirements

Subclass 571 visa allows students to study a primary or secondary school level course or a formal secondary exchange programme.• Confirmation of Enrolment is required

(unless secondary exchange) .• Course of study must be registered on

CRICOS (unless secondary exchange).• Secondary exchange must be a formally

recognised programme.

Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Study and age requirements

Student must be at least six years old. AL3 applicants: must have completed at least Year 6 level (or equivalent) cannot study at a level more than 18 months below level already completed Must be under 15 for Year 7; under 16 for Year 8; under 17 for Year 9; under 18 for Year 10; under 19 for Year 11 and under 20 for Year 12.

Changes in March 2014 Assessment Levels

The implementation of simplified assessment levels resulted in removal of AL4 and AL5 with former AL4 applicants now AL3.

Financial requirements for AL3 applicants reduced from 18 months to 12 months with condition that funds are provided by the applicant or a close relative of the applicant.

Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Assessment Level (AL) 3

Requirements• English language satisfies education provider – If student needs to study ELICOS, no more than 50 weeks

is allowed• Financial capacity– Must show they have sufficient funds for the first 12

months for course fees, living costs and school costs– Must have sufficient funds for travel and the remainder of

the proposed stay – Funds must be held by the student or by a close relative– Funds must come from regular income

Changes in March 2014 Assessment Levels

• The implementation of simplified assessment levels resulted in removal of AL4 and AL5 with former AL4 applicants now AL3.

• Financial requirements for AL3 applicants reduced from 18 months to 12 months with condition that funds are provided by the applicant or a close relative of the applicant.

Welfare arrangements for students under 18

With a parent or a legal custodian

Australian citizen, permanent resident or

holder of a suitable visa which permits them to reside in Australia for the required period

With a relative at least 21 years old

Australian citizen, permanent resident or

holder of a suitable visa which permits them to reside in Australia for the required period

Must be of good character

Nominated by student’s parent or

legal guardian

Welfare arrangements approved by

the education provider

Can be any person or organisation, provided the arrangements are

approved by the education provider

Welfare arrangements must cover the entire study period. Student must live:

Subclass 571 – Schools Sector Further requirements for

students under 18• Parental consent requirements:

– Both parents consent to the grant of the visa.

OR– A court order permits the grant of

the visa.OR

– An Australian court order permits the grant of the visa.

• Allows a student’s parent or relative to accompany a student – The parent / guardian / relative must be nominated by the student.– Only one person may be nominated. – Usually only for students who are under 18.

• Student Guardian cannot bring other family members– must not have any children under 6 and must make arrangements for own

children remaining in country.– Only children who can study Year 7 and up may accompany a Student

Guardian.

• Must provide appropriate care for student– Housing, support and general welfare

• Relative must be approved by a parent / guardian of the student– Good character

• No work

Subclass 580 – Student Guardian

• Some overseas students are not subject to ESOS.

• These include:– Secondary student visa holders– Secondary exchange students– Other temporary visa holders

Non-ESOS overseas students

THANK YOU