Visa FAQ's
We understand that you want to know as much as possible before booking a course with the College. Please review our Visa FAQs for more information about visas with relation to the application process.
If you cannot find the answer to your question below, please contact us for more information.
Do I need a visa to study in Australia?
Yes. To study at Kaplan International College Adelaide, you must obtain a visa. For detailed information on visa requirements and the application process, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
If you need assistance, you can contact an education agent in your region. Use our Find An Agent tool to locate an official partner.
How much time does it take to get a student visa?
Processing times for student visas is managed exclusively by the Department of Home Affairs and vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications. For current processing times, refer to the visa processing time guide.
How soon can I start?
It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow sufficient time for visa processing, travel and accommodation arrangements. Delays in obtaining a visa may affect your ability to commence studies on time. For more information about timeframes, please visit the visa processing time guide.
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?
No. A specific start date is required to process your application and issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is necessary for your visa application.
What happens if my visa is denied?
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a written notice from the Department of Home Affairs outlining the reasons and whether you have the right to appeal. If the refusal is based on personal circumstances or documentation you submitted, the College has limited to no ability to intervene.
As per our Terms and Conditions, fees paid will be refunded upon receipt of written notification and proof that your visa application was denied prior to your start date.
Does the College issue visas for Australia?
No. Visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. The College provides necessary documentation, such as the Offer of Admission, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and payment receipt, to support your visa application. To find more information about documentation that needs to be provided as part of your visa application, please visit the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool.
How do I get a visa?
To apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500), you must first be accepted into a registered course at Kaplan International College Adelaide.
Once your application is successful, you will receive an Offer of Admission (OoA) and payment instructions. After meeting any conditions listed in your offer (if any) and making full payment, the College will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
With your CoE, you can apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs using your ImmiAccount. You’ll also need to provide supporting documents such as, but not limited to proof of financial capacity, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), a valid passport, and a Genuine Student (GS) statement.
To confirm the specific documents required for your situation, use the Document Checklist Tool.
Visa processing times vary, so it’s best to apply as early as possible to avoid delays to your study plans.
Which embassy should I visit?
The preferred and most efficient way to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500) is online via the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount. This platform allows applicants to complete the entire process digitally, track the status of their application, and upload supporting documentation.
In limited and specific circumstances, a paper-based application may be accepted; however, this is not common and is generally discouraged due to the increase in processing times, unless explicitly advised by the Department. For more information about how to apply for your Australian student visa (subclass 500), please visit the Department of Home Affairs help and supporting tools.
How long will my visa be valid for?
The length of your student visa is determined by the Department of Home Affairs based on the duration of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and other personal circumstances.
In general, your visa may be granted for an additional two months beyond your program end date.
This timeframe is a standard guideline only, and actual visa validity may vary. Kaplan International College Adelaide does not issue visas and cannot guarantee visa durations.
For full details, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Can the College help me complete an application for a visa?
Kaplan International College Adelaide cannot submit a visa application on your behalf. However, we will provide all the necessary documents to support your application, including your Offer of Admission, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) payment receipt, and any other relevant confirmations such as accommodation arrangements if applicable.
Also, you are welcome to seek additional support from a registered education agent or registered migration professional if needed. For full information on how to apply, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
What is the likelihood that my visa application will be approved?
Visa approval is at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs and assessed on an individual case. While the College ensures all provided documents are accurate, we cannot guarantee or confirm the likelihood of visa approval.
What should I do if my visa is denied?
If your student visa application is refused, you will receive a written notice from the Department of Home Affairs outlining the reasons for the refusal and whether you have the right to appeal the decision. It is important to carefully review this information. If the refusal is based on personal circumstances or documentation you submitted, the College is unable to intervene the decision. This also applies if no specific reason is provided.
In most cases, the government's decision is final, and there is limited to no action the College can take to change the outcome.
As per the College's refund policy, fees paid will be refunded upon receipt of written notification and proof that your visa application was denied prior to your start date.
Can my student visa be extended if I need more time to study?
If you require additional time to complete your studies (for example, due to course failure, a reduced study load, or a transfer from another institution), you will need to apply for a new student visa.
If you are continuing your studies with the College, our Student Services team can assist you and provide necessary information for this process. Please ensure you notify Student Services of your intention to apply for a new student visa at least 4 weeks before your current visa expires or your course end date, whichever comes first.
What do the Australian Immigration Services require in a bank statement?
When applying for a student visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and any dependants, if applicable. This financial evidence typically includes a recent bank statement or bank letter.
The statement must meet the following criteria:
-
Clearly show the total available balance that meets or exceeds the required financial threshold.
-
Indicate that the funds are immediately accessible and available without any restrictions or penalties for withdrawal.
-
Be from a checking or savings account — these are generally preferred.
-
Include your (or your sponsor's) name, account number, and the financial institution's details.
Forms of evidence such as income statements, property deeds, or non-liquid investments (e.g., shares or fixed-term deposits) are usually not accepted as proof of readily available funds.
For detailed information on financial capacity requirements and acceptable evidence, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool.
Do I have to show a bank statement on arrival even if I have paid?
The College recommends that all students arriving in the country carry proper documentation with them, as stated on the Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool.
How much money do I need to show on my bank statement?
To meet the financial capacity requirement for an Australian student visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the following minimum expenses:
-
Travel costs to and from Australia
-
Tuition fees for 12 months of your course (or pro-rata fees if your course is less than 12 months)
-
Living expenses for 12 months for yourself and any accompanying family members (or pro-rata costs if your stay is under 12 months)
-
School fees for any accompanying school-age children (or pro-rata fees if the child will attend school for less than 12 months)
You may demonstrate financial capacity through one or more of the following:
-
A bank statement from you or an eligible sponsor showing available funds that meet or exceed the required amount.
-
An official loan letter, scholarship confirmation, or financial guarantee.
-
A combination of sources, provided all funds are clearly accessible and free of withdrawal restrictions.
Additional financial evidence may be requested depending on your individual circumstances and application details.
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements based on your country and education provider, use the Department of Home Affairs' Document Checklist Tool.
Can I change my start date after receiving my student visa?
Yes, you can request a change to your start date before arriving in Australia. If your travel plans change or you're unable to commence on your original date, you must contact the College as soon as possible.
We will update your enrolment and issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) reflecting your revised course dates. This updated document is essential to ensure your visa remains valid and to avoid complications with entry into Australia. Travelling with outdated enrolment documents can lead to delays or refusal of entry at the border.
Can I enter Australia before or after my start date?
You must enter Australia within the validity period of your visa and in line with the dates outlined on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Ideally, you should arrive shortly before your course begins, giving yourself enough time to settle in and attend orientation. If you intend to arrive after your official start date, you must inform the College in advance so that your enrolment can be deferred and a new CoE issued. Arriving late without prior approval may be seen as a breach of your visa conditions and could lead to challenges on your stay.
What documents should I bring when entering Australia?
To ensure a smooth entry process, you should carry your valid passport, your student visa grant notification, and your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). It's also recommended to have evidence of your financial capacity, such as a bank statement or sponsor letter, and proof of accommodation arrangements. These documents may be requested by border officers to confirm your intentions and compliance with visa conditions. Keep all documents printed and easily accessible in your carry-on luggage when travelling.
Can I work during my studies at the College?
Yes, international students on a student visa are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight once their course has commenced. During scheduled breaks, such as holidays between study periods, you may work unlimited hours. It is important to comply with all visa conditions related to employment, including ensuring that work does not interfere with your studies. These work rights are automatically attached to your visa, and no separate application is required. For more information, please check visa details and conditions at the Department of Home Affairs website.