Can I Switch from A Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Australia?

Are you among those who enjoy nature and dream of exploring its wonders? Or if you are searching for a place to turn your imagination into reality, Australia is your go-to destination. It offers stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture that attracts people from around the globe. Australia has one of the world’s best education systems, enhancing the growth and potential of international students.

So, if you find yourself in Australia on a tourist visa and want to pursue academic studies in the country, you are not alone in this journey. Many students ask whether they can switch from a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia. The simple answer is yes, you can. You must be wondering how it is possible. Don’t worry. This blog post has got you covered. Get ready to discover how you can convert a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia.

Why Switch from a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa Australia?

Australia is a top place to live, study, or work, with a quality lifestyle and renowned educational institutions. Switching to a student visa provides access to a top-notch educational program, a wide range of cultural experiences, and possibly long-term career opportunities. Australia’s universities are famous throughout the world for their outstanding academic programs that enhance both professional and personal development.

Moreover, if you intend to study in Australia after getting a tourist visa, there is a chance that your study course won’t last more than three months. Therefore, to study the course of your choice, you need to convert your tourist visa to a student visa. Additionally, there are other benefits associated with converting your tourist visa. For example, you are free to select the course and educational institution without producing proof of sponsorship or financial assistance. Typically, an offshore applicant must provide evidence of having enough money to pay for the following:

• An offshore candidate must provide proof that he can pay his tuition fees.
• He must be financially stable enough to cover one year’s living expenses.
• He needs to provide evidence of two-way travel costs, including those of their family members.
• An offshore candidate must provide proof that he can cover the school expenses of school-aged children.

Which Types of Tourist Visa Can Be Converted into Student Visas in Australia?

In Australia, there are various types of visas that can’t be converted to student visas. However, people who travel to the country under a tourist or visitor visa can apply for a student visa. The usual procedure for conversion is departing from Australia and submitting an application for a student visa outside of the country, although in some cases, it is possible to do so while residing there. You can convert your tourist visa to a student visa Australia only if your tourist visa is among these streams;

1. eVisitor Visa

It is an electronic visa that permits individuals from certain countries to migrate to Australia for tourism or business related purposes. Under an eVisitor visa, you can stay in Australia for up to three months. There is no need to submit hard copies of your documents in order to apply for an eVisitor visa.

2. Visitor visa

A visitor visa allows individuals to travel to Australia for tourism purposes and business activities. This is similar to an electronic visa, with a key difference: it allows you to stay in the country for almost twelve months. However, it is also applicable for those applicants who cannot apply for an electronic visa.

3. Electronic Travel Authority Visa

Under this visa, you can stay in the country for almost one year, with a maximum time period of three months on multiple visits. An ETA visa is your go-to choice if you want to travel to Australia for tourism or business-related purposes. This visa is applicable to certain countries. Not everyone can apply for this visa.

Things to Consider Before Converting a Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Australia

Converting a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia is a challenging process, and before applying for a student visa, you must not have any bad records in the country. It implies that

• You must not be low on financial support.
• You shouldn’t be held accountable for any case filed against you.
• You must not have any ambiguous study gaps.
• You must not possess an 8503 or “No Further Stay” agreement on your tourist visa.
• You should not have a record of previous student visa rejections.
• Your statement of purpose must be clearly written.

Documents Required to Convert Tourist Visa to a Student Visa in Australia

Here is the list of documents required to convert a tourist visa to a student visa Australia;

Personal Details: You must submit a copy of your passport, birth certificate, and identification card.

GTE Requirement: All applicants must submit evidence of Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement, stating that they will stay in the country temporarily.

CoE Requirement: You need to provide confirmation of enrollment (CoE) or an offer letter from your institution.

Employment History: You must submit evidence of your employment, including your resume or work reference letters.

Health Insurance: You need to provide a health insurance certificate, as the Department of Home Affairs will not cover your medical expenses.

Financial Stability: Provide evidence of your financial stability, stating that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and other living expenses.

Final Thoughts

The conversion of a tourist visa to a student visa is a very challenging and lengthy process when applying onshore. Various factors, such as your individual circumstances, will determine whether the application is successful or unsuccessful. Therefore, it is important to consider professional help to avoid confusion. The Migration is a registered company with MARA-certified agents in Australia. We provide authentic and genuine consultation to our clients. If you require assistance converting your tourist visa to a student visa in Australia, we can assist you with every step of the process, from selecting a course to offering advice on future migration plans. So give us a call to schedule an appointment now, and we’ll take care of the rest. 

FAQs

Is it possible for anyone to convert a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia?

To put it briefly, the answer is yes. Anyone can convert a tourist visa to a student visa in Australia. However, the process may be different depending on individual circumstances and trip history. You must have a spotless criminal record to extend or convert your visa to a student visa.

Can I convert my Australian visitor visa to a work visa?

No, you can’t convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Australia. A work visa is only permitted for a select group of countries. But if you want to continue your education, you can switch to a student visa. You may get a work permit for 20 hours per week after obtaining a student visa.

What is the minimum required bank balance for a student visa to Australia?

Primarily, it depends on the course and the university you plan to attend. Generally speaking, you must have enough money in your bank account for at least three months to cover the expected cost of one year’s tuition fee, accommodation, and travel costs.

How much time can you spend on a tourist visa in Australia?

It depends on the type of visitor visa you are applying for. There is a maximum stay of three months per event or twelve months a year. After that, to renew your visa, you must return to your native country.