Frequently Asked Australian Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

If you intend to continue your education in Australia, you must be prepared for all the key interview questions related to obtaining an Australian student visa.

The Australian Government uses a rigorous selection process before granting student visas to international students. Therefore, you can expect difficult questions. However, I believe that with some preparation, the visa interview process should not be too difficult to pass.

In this blog post, I’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions by the Australian Embassy, including the purpose of your visit, questions about your chosen course or university, and more.

 

Top Australian Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

I’ve noticed many students struggle during the interview process because they aren’t prepared for what’s coming. It’s important to review all the potential questions and answers before attending an interview.

Here are some of the most common questions asked by the Australian Embassy.

 

What is the purpose of your trip to Australia?

The purpose of asking this question is to confirm that the information you submitted during your visa interview is accurate. Therefore, give a brief, concise response outlining your intention to pursue a degree or study program in Australia.

 

Why did you choose Australia for education?

This is among the most asked interview questions for international student visas during an interview. Therefore, prepare well to answer this question. 

Provide a detailed explanation of your motivation for selecting Australia over other nations. Highlight features like world-class Australian universities, a wide range of available courses, and encouraging career prospects after graduation.

 

Have you been to Australia before?

Simply tell them if you’ve been to Australia or not. If your response is “yes,” mention the reason for your visit as well as the duration of your stay in Australia.

 

Which college or university are you going to in Australia?

Tell them the name of the university where you registered yourself after receiving the offer. Make sure you pronounce the university’s name correctly.

 

Where is your college or university located?

The visa officer wants to confirm that you are aware of the exact institute where you are enrolled. Make sure you are aware of your institute’s precise location as well as the specialties of that area.

 

Why did you choose college over university?

You should be prepared for this question if you have enrolled in a college rather than a university. Explain to the case officer any further reasons you chose the college over the university, as well as the fact that the desired course is offered at the specific college.

 

Can you briefly describe the university you’ve selected?

The case officer is interested in determining how familiar you are with the university. Highlight the important features of the university and the particular thing that attracted your attention to it.

 

Did you apply to any other colleges or universities?

If you applied to any colleges or universities other than the one you are enrolled in, be honest with the case officer about it.

 

Why have you chosen this course?

To answer this question, you must affirm that you want to take the course. Tell the case officer how the specific course will help you achieve your career goals and why it is important for your future. Mention that your intent is sincere and not just an excuse for moving to Australia.

 

Do you intend to stay in Australia once your degree is over?

This question is asked to find out the primary objective of your migration to Australia. Justify your decision to go home after completing your course in a persuasive manner. Make sure your response demonstrates your commitment to returning home after your studies are finished and is well-reasoned.

 

Tell me about your course.

The purpose of this question is to figure out your interest in applying for the course. Thus, give an overview of your course and its structure.

 

What is the duration of your course?

Be honest while answering this question. State the correct duration, such as if the course is one or two years long.

 

When does your course start and finish?

You must be aware of the commencement and end dates of your course.  Be honest when answering, as the dates you mention will be double-checked.

 

How much does the chosen course cost?

State the amount in Australian dollars (AUD) that is shown on your enrollment confirmation (CoE).

 

How are you going to pay for the course?

Make sure to answer this carefully, as there will be follow-up questions. Never reveal that you plan to work a part-time job to support your stay in Australia; otherwise, your visa application would be rejected.

 

Is this course available in your home country?

Your case officer is trying to find out if the justifications you gave for intending to study in Australia are true or not. In your response, you must explain why you want to study in Australia and why it is a better option than your home nation.

 

Do you plan to continue studying in Australia after your course ends?

Simply inform the case officer about your goals and aspirations clearly. If you are unsure of your plans, be honest with them.

 

Do you have any plans to get PR in Australia after completing your course?

Carefully reply to this question, as an Australian student visa doesn’t provide a route to permanent residency. Moreover, as an international student, you have to demonstrate that you are a genuine temporary entrant and will leave the country after completing your studies. Therefore, the answer to this question will be No.

 

How many colleges did you receive acceptance to?

If you have applied to other universities and received acceptance letters from them, make sure to answer this question honestly. Because the case officer may confirm this information later on, and your visa application will be rejected if you don’t speak the truth.

 

What do you plan to do during your semester break?

Communicate openly with the case officer about your plans. You can inform them that you plan to spend your semester breaks in your native country, spending time with your family. Tell them if you have any other plans.

 

Do you have any plans to work in Australia?

Keep in mind that while in Australia on a student visa, you are only permitted to work part-time. Therefore, inform the case officer that you do not intend to work in Australia by saying “No.”

 

Where did you graduate from before applying for a student visa in Australia?

The purpose of this inquiry is to validate the information you provided in your visa application. Mention the name of the school where you completed your education and your academic credentials.

 

Why did you change your course of study?

If you have changed your field, you will have to answer this question. The case officer wants to know why your field or subject changed and for what reason. Give a sincere and transparent justification for the change, outlining the factors in a clear and concise way.

 

How many siblings do you have?

Give the necessary details about the number of siblings, their residence, and their occupation.

 

What do you know about the work limitations of an Australian student visa?

You must be aware of the fact that in Australia, you are permitted to work forty hours every two weeks. However, you can work full-time throughout your semester vacation. Provide an answer that demonstrates your familiarity with Australia’s work restrictions for student visas.

 

Who is funding your studies and accommodation in Australia?

Give a relevant and verifiable response to this question (for example, my parents, father, or relative is paying for my education and stay).

 

Tell me about your sponsor’s annual income and occupation.

Inform the case officer about your sponsor’s annual wage and profession. Make sure your response aligns with the supporting documentation you submitted with your visa application, such as pay stubs and bank statements, among others.

 

How many individuals depend on your sponsor for financial support?

It is important for you to be aware of the number of people who are financially dependent on your sponsor. The case officer wants to know whether your sponsor can support you financially or not.

Give the required documentation and evidence to show that your sponsor is able to cover all of your living expenses while you are visiting Australia.

 

Why is your IELTS or TOEFL score so low?

Answer this question honestly by stating the reasons you think your score was lowered. Provide the original exam transcript to demonstrate your efforts in addressing these areas to strengthen your justification.

 

Why should a student visa be granted to you?

To successfully respond to this question, you need to be well-prepared. State the benefits of studying in Australia, including the country’s excellent facilities and strong academic standards. Make sure to emphasize your contributions to the university you are attending, as well as how your enrollment will benefit it.

 

What if your visa application is rejected?

This is your chance to speak about why studying in Australia is important to you. Tell the case officer that the next time, you’ll make sure to be even more organized and well-prepared. Convince them that next time you won’t make a mistake that can lead to visa rejection.

 

Do you own any property in your home country?

Make a list of everything you possess in your home country, such as vehicles, houses, businesses, and real estate. By giving the case officer a compelling response to this question, you might persuade them that you intend to go back home after finishing your studies.

 

Is your partner coming with you or not?

It’s crucial to provide an honest response to this query. Respond “yes” if your partner is joining you, and “no” if they are not visiting Australia.

 

How would you handle financial difficulties during your stay in Australia?

Again, you must answer this question with confidence. Inform the case officer that your sponsor has sufficient money to cover your stay in Australia so you will not have any financial difficulties.

 

Do you pay any income tax?

The ideal response to this query would be “yes”. The Australian government prefers responsible citizens who pay taxes on time. Ensure that you have evidence of being a tax paying citizen.

 

What is your most recent qualification?

If you are applying for an undergraduate program, tell the case officer that you have finished year 12 education. However, if you are enrolling in a postgraduate program, let them know that you have finished your graduation.

 

Have there been any gaps in your studies?

Give an honest response to this question, as the case officer can verify it from your academic records. Explain in detail the reasons for gaps in your studies.

 

What are your plans after returning back to your country?

Give a sincere answer that highlights the ways in which the course you just finished will help you achieve your future goals.

 

Concluding Remarks

So, there you have it- a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions and answers about an Australian student visa. Read these questions carefully and get ready accordingly. Stay honest; otherwise, your visa will be rejected. 

However, if you have any queries or you are struggling with your student visa application, it is better to seek advice from experts. Schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you with your visa application process.