You can’t apply for a student visa until you’re accepted on to a course in that country. So, if you haven’t already done so you need to submit an application for the course you wish to study. Not only that, but you must ensure the course meets the country’s visa requirements. Your student visa acceptance will be determined by a number of factors:

• Your country of citizenship

• Your chosen destination country

• The course you wish to study

• The institution you wish to study at

• How you plan to fund your study

Different countries have differing visa systems and acceptance procedures. However, they are usually very similar:

• To study in the UK you need to have received an offer for a place on a course. You need to prove that you can understand English, including reading, writing and speaking.

• To study in the US you need to prove that you have a permanent residence in your country of citizenship. You need to have the funds to support your study and intend to return home once your study is complete.

• To study in Australia you also need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your course fees and living costs. You will also be assessed based on the subject you have chosen and your country of citizenship.

• To study in Europe you do not require a visa if your country of citizenship is an EU member. If you are outside of the EU you should check your chosen destination’s visa requirements for more specific details. Wherever you chose to study we advise that you apply for your visa as soon as possible.

Australian visa applications can be submitted online. Biometric information can be submitted at one of the Australian visa application center.

If you are studying abroad for your post-16 education you will require a general student visa.

•  In Australia your visa type will depend on your country of citizenship and your chosen subject.

This is one of the most common questions and is an important factor in your visa application process. It is necessary for you to prove that you have enough funds for your course fees and living costs. However, the money required can vary depending on country and region within that country. Some countries require you to prove that you have funds for the entirety of your course. While others only require proof of funds for the 1st year.

For an Australian student visa: (if Show money is required)

• Return air fare

• Course fees

• AUD 21,041 per year living costs; AUD$7,362 for partner/spouse; AUD$3,152 for each child

The course you have applied for may require you to have completed an English language certificate. Or a passing result in IELTS or other acceptable form of English proficiency test.

For the Australian student visa you will have to prove that you have a sufficient level of funds available to support each dependent. We advise that you check the specific requirements for your chosen destination.

Generally on a student visa you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. You can only start working once your course has started. The same rules usually apply for any dependants you may have.

On a student visa you are allowed to stay for the duration of your course, as specified in your initial visa application. You will also be allowed to stay for a short time following the completion of your studies however this can be up to 60 days to depending on the month you have completed your course.

While it may appear that countries are making it more difficult to study overseas the changes in the immigration laws do actually protect your international education. The aim of these restrictions is to prevent bogus and unrecognised colleges offering poor study courses to international students. Therefore ensuring you receive an excellent education from a recognised institution.

RMA’s are best positioned to give advises.