The Non Award Sector (Subclass 575) student visa allows international students to enter Australia to study a full course – such as a non-award foundation studies course – or individual components/modules of a course which do not lead to an award such as a degree, diploma, or certificate.
If students plan to study a non-award course as a required component of a course that does lead to an award (such as a foundation studies required to begin a degree course) they should apply for the type of visa appropriate for the higher level course.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for this student visa students must:
· Provide proof of acceptance to study a non-award course or components/modules of a non-award course at an Australian educational institution, such as an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment code, Confirmation of Enrolment letter, or Letter of Offer.
· Have enough funds to pay travel, tuition, and maintenance costs for themselves and for any family members included on their application.
· Meet the level of English Language proficiency set by the organisation they will be studying with.
· Meet various health requirements, including having health insurance.
· Meet the character requirements, this usually means a criminal record check
· Satisfy Australian officials that they will not overstay their visa. This is known as the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
Students less than 18 years old
Students under the age of 18 must meet specific eligibility requirements to be granted a visa. These students must:
· Have a parent or guardian sign their visa application. If the parent or guardian is unable to do this they can instead provide:
A statutory declaration letter, giving their permission for the student to travel to Australia, Stay with a parent/guardian, or another relative over the age of 21 (who must be nominated by a parent/guardian) while in Australia. If this is not possible other arrangements can be made, but these must be agreed with the student’s education provider