Student Visa: Vocational Education and Training

If you're planning on studying in Australia but are already a graduate, you can still be eligible for an Australian student visa. Subclass 572 or the Vocational Education and Training Sector temporary visa is designed for international students who want to take up the following: certificates I, II, III or IV (except ELICOS), a diploma or an advanced diploma, a vocational graduate certificate or a vocational graduate certificate.

You can apply for this Australian visa if you're a first-time student in Australia, if you want to continue study in Australia by renewing your student visa or if you want to join a family member who is already residing in the country by getting a student visa. To be eligible of this visa, you must have applied for and have been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia.

Student Visa holders for this subclass can study in Australia, work up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session or unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. However, there are pre-requisites before you are allowed to work. If your student visa was granted on or after April 26, 2008, the Permission to Work is automatically included with this student visa. If it was granted after said date, you need to secure a Permission to Work.

This student visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course and permits multiple entries. If your course is 10 months or less, your visa will usually be valid for one month after the end date of your course of study. If the duration of your course exceeds 10 months, your visa will usually be granted for two months more than the end date of your course.

This visa type also allows you to be accompanied by dependents or your spouse, but they are only allowed to stay the same length of time as you are staying. Family members can work up to 20 hours per week once you have finished your course in Australia. Your spouse can also study in Australia for up to three months.