Australia visa information

Do I need a visa to study in Australia?

If you plan to study less than 12 weeks in total, you will need to apply for a Tourist Visa. If your length of study is over 12 weeks, you will need a Student Visa. For more information about obtaining an Australia visa, please visit the Australian Immigration Services website http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm, or visit the Australian Embassy or Consulate in your region.

How much time does it take to get a Student Visa?

A Student Visa is issued to students who are going to study full-time in Australia. The time it takes to obtain one depends on the Australian Embassy from which you apply. The average time is 4-8 weeks.

How soon can I start?

If you are applying for a visa you should give yourself from 1 - 2 months until your desired starting dates, especially if you need accommodation.

I didn't write a start date on my application because I want to start as soon as I get approved for a student visa is that ok?

We need to have a start date in order to process an application. Enough time should be given for your visa to be processed and accommodation secured.

What happens if my visa is denied?

As per the Terms and Conditions, fees paid will be refunded on receipt of written notification and proof that your visa application was denied prior to your start date.

Does Kaplan Aspect issue visas for Australia?

No. All visas are issued by the Australian Immigration Service or Embassy/Consulate abroad.

How do I get a visa?

You must first apply to study at Kaplan Aspect. If you are eligible for admission, Kaplan Aspect will issue a Enrolment Agreement (EA) and invoice to you. Kaplan Aspect will issue you a receipt and ECOE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment) for student visa when the completed and signed EA and full payment is received for your booking. You should send these documents to the Australia Immigration Service or Embassy/Consulate as evidence of your course.

Which Embassy should I visit?

Usually you are expected to visit the Australian Embassy/Consulate in the country for which you hold citizenship (i.e. the country that issued your passport). If your country does not have an Australia Embassy/Consulate or if you are currently located in a different country, you should contact the closest Australia Embassy to see if they can accept your application for a visa. To find your local Australia Embassy, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/index.htm

How long will my visa be valid for?

Kaplan Aspect does not issue your visa and therefore cannot confirm for how long it will be valid. Visas are typically given for the length of your course + 4 weeks. However this is dependent on providing the Immigration service with the proper documents. You should confirm this information with your local Australia Embassy/Consulate.

Can Kaplan Aspect help me complete an application for a visa?

Kaplan Aspect is able to provide you with the documents to prove you are a confirmed student at our school (Enrolment Agreement, Accommodation Guarantee, and/or Receipt). However, prior to arrival, it is the student's sole responsibility to complete all government documents.

Once you are at Kaplan Aspect, we can give you the necessary information on how you can change your visa or apply for a visa extension if necessary.

What is the likelihood that my Visa application will be approved?

Kaplan Aspect does not issue visas and therefore cannot confirm the likelihood of approval. However, you should note that the granting of a visa is not guaranteed.

What happens if I am denied a visa?

If denied your visa, you should ask the Consular Officer for the reason of denial before you leave the Embassy. You have the right to request the denial in writing as well. If no reason or a reason due to your personal submission is stated, Kaplan Aspect will be unlikely to be able to assist you further. In most cases, the government’s decision is final and there is little Kaplan Aspect can do to change their decision.

Can my student visa be extended if I need more time to study?

Yes, if you would like to continue your studies with Kaplan Aspect, our Student Services will be glad to assist you with your Student Visa extension. You should notify Student Services of your plans to extend at least 4 weeks prior to your last day of study.

What does Australian Immigration Services require in a bank statement?

The bank statement/letter should show that you and/or your sponsor have enough funds to cover the cost of study. In addition, it must show that all funds are readily available without penalty for withdrawal. For this reason, statements from checking and/or savings accounts are best. Income statements, property deeds and other similar forms of investments are typically not acceptable.

You can show funds through multiple accounts and/or multiple sponsors, if necessary.

Do I have to show a bank statement on arrival even if I have paid?

Kaplan Aspect recommends that all students arriving into the country carry with them proper documentation as stated on the DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) website: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/index.htm.

How much money do I need to show on my bank statement?

Australia Immigration Service needs to see that you have sufficient funds to cover your living requirements while in Australia. You must also show you have a return air ticket on arrival into Australia.

Can I change my start date after receiving my Student Visa?

You can change your start date any time before entering Australia. Simply contact Kaplan Aspect to confirm your new start date as soon as you know about the change. At that time, Kaplan Aspect will mail you a revised Enrolment Agreement to show your new study dates. A failure to notify Kaplan Aspect about these changes can cause problems for you at the Port of Entry and/or Australian Embassy. If you want to begin before your start date, this is acceptable. Simply go to the school and let them know you want to start early.

Can I change schools after receiving my Student Visa?

You may change your school any time before you apply for your Student Visa at no additional charge. Kaplan Aspect has four schools to choose from in Australia, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Cairns. Simply contact Kaplan Aspect to confirm the new location and a new Letter of Acceptance will be mailed to you for the new location. If your visa has been issued, you can change locations, but you will need to submit a Change of Provider application before arriving in Australia. This may cost an additional fee. Please check with your Australia Embassy/Consulate regarding this fee. If the names do not match because you changed school locations after getting your visa, you may be denied entry to Australia.

Can I enter Australia before or after my start date?

The Student Visa issued to you by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will notify you of the dates your Student Visa is valid. You should adhere to these dates.

If you travel to Australia after your start date, you will probably face problems at the Port of Entry, since it appears you failed to meet the requirement of reporting to the school by your start date. To prevent problems at the Port of Entry, you should contact Kaplan Aspect and ask that we postpone your start date if you are unable to arrive before your start date. At that time, Kaplan Aspect will mail you a revised Letter of Acceptance with a postponed start date.

What documents will I need to show at the Port of Entry?

In general, you must show the Port of Entry Officer the following documents. If these documents are missing or incomplete, you may be detained, questioned or denied entry altogether:

• A valid (non-expired) passport
• A valid (non-expired) Student Visa (if applicable)
• Bank statement
• Proof of outbound travel (if arriving on a visitor’s visa)
• Documents from Kaplan Aspect:
• - Letter of Acceptance
  - Receipt

What are the study requirements at Kaplan Aspect?

Students on a Student Visa must study full time. Full time study is 21 hours of English tuition per week (Intensive English, English for Business, IELTS Supplementary, Cambridge Exam preparation courses).

If you do not meet Kaplan Aspect’s full time study requirements while studying with a Student Visa, Kaplan Aspect will be obliged to notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of your status and you risk falling out of legal status.

Can I work during my studies at Kaplan Aspect?

Students with a valid STUDENT visa may work up to 20 hours per week after starting their course and work unlimited hours during their course holidays. This work right is included automatically for all students coming in on a student visa. Students may also work on a working holiday visa, but not on a tourist visa may not work.