Melbourne Institute Of Technology

Applying for a student visa

As a perspective International student applying to study in Australia, you are required to obtain a student visa before travelling to Australia. Student visas are issued by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). There are a number of specific requirements that must be met before a student visa can be issued. These requirements vary, depending on your nationality, and the level/type of study you intend to undertake.

For further assistance or information regarding student visa, visit the DIAC website at www.immi.gov.au/students. You may also seek assistance from an Australian Diplomatic Mission www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html or an MIT authorised representative, in your home country.

Student visa conditions

Whilst studying in Australia your visa is subject to a number of visa conditions that you much comply with. It is your responsibility as a visa holder to be aware of these conditions. For detailed information on student visa conditions, please visit the DIAC website at www.immi.gov.au/students/visa-conditions.htm.

Student under 18

If you are under the age of 18, your parent or the person who has custody of you must make the appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements for you, before DIAC can grant you a student visa. When applying for a student visa, you will need to provide evidence that you will reside in Australia either:

• with your parent or the person who has custody of you,
• with a relative over the age of 21, who is nominated by your parent or the person having custody of you, or
• under a care arrangement that has been approved by MIT.

If the nominated care provider is a relative, he/she is required to meet with MIT Student Services staff prior to submission of paperwork to DIAC. If care arrangement has been made through other Student Guardian Services organisations, documentation must be provided to MIT before an Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) is issued. If your parent or the person who has custody of you would like MIT to make the necessary care arrangements for you, please email MIT Student Services at studentservices@mit.edu.au.

Overseas Student Health Cover

The Australian government requires all student visa holders, and any dependants accompanying them, to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their study in Australia. The health cover provides for medical and hospital care within Australia from the date of your arrival until the end of your studies in Australia. In case of an accident or illness (pre-existing illness or disease may not be covered), you will be able to redeem some, or all of your medical costs.

MIT will arrange your initial OSHC membership through BUPA. Your Letter of Offer will detail the OSHC fees you are required to pay. Payment must be made prior to entering Australia, and you are responsible for renewing your membership annually.

Work opportunities

As an International student, you are permitted to engage in paid employment for up to 20 hours per-week, during course study periods, and full-time during scheduled course breaks. However, it should be kept in mind that work may not be readily available, and you should not rely on this form of income to support your study and living costs.

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) regulates the ESOS Act; a legal framework that governs the responsibility of education institutions towards overseas students. The legislation ensures quality education and consumer protection for students studying in Australia on a student visa. For a brief overview of the ESOS Framework, including your rights and responsibilities as an overseas student, go to: http://www.aei.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Pages/Regulatoryinformation.aspx.

Completion within Expected Duration of Study

International students are required to complete their course within expected completion duration specified on their Conformation of Enrolment (CoE). This means students are required to study full-time in each compulsory semester to complete studies within the expected duration of study. Students may be allowed to extend course duration or reduce study-load under limited circumstances. These include:

• Where MIT is unable to offer a pre-requisite unit;
• Where a student is identified as being 'at risk' of not meeting satisfactory course requirement;
• Where a student is approved to take a leave of absence within MIT's policies.

Please contact Admissions and Enrolments for further information.

For further information regarding Completion within Expected Duration of Study, please go to the Australian Government Australian Education International (AEI) website.

Deferring, suspending and cancelling enrolments

MIT is obliged to notify DEEWR-DIAC of any changes to your enrolment. This may affect your student visa. You are required to contact the DIAC for advice on how a change to your enrolment status may affect your student visa. For detailed information about the grounds on which your enrolment may be deferred, suspended, or cancelled, visit Deferring, Suspending and Cancelling enrolments page.

MIT Terms and Conditions of Enrolment and Refund Policy

Information regarding MIT’s Terms and Conditions of Enrolment and Refund Policy is published on our website here.