Visa requirements & rights
Things to know about getting an Australian Student Visa, including how to apply and your work rights
Your Student Visa
To apply for a Student Visa and for information about your application, visit the website. You can learn more about your visa conditions, expiry date, study and work entitlements using , a free online service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you would like to discuss the conditions of your Student Visa and your studies at ¼, our team is available for drop-ins at The Nucleus: Student Hub from 2pm - 4pm on weekdays. You can also email us at international.student@unsw.edu.au.
Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A CoE is an official document containing specific details about your program. Your CoE tells the Department of Home Affairs your current enrolment status.
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The Australian government wants international students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study. Australia's laws promote quality of education and consumer protection for international students. These laws include the Education for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the ESOS National Code.
ESOS compliance is a university-wide responsibility, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
As an international student on a Student Visa, you enjoy various rights, including:
- Receiving accurate information about your course, tuition fees and refund policies
- Access to support services and complaints processes
- Information about academic progress and changes to your enrolment.
The ESOS Act also provides obligations and restrictions on students. Under the Act, students must comply with the conditions of their Student Visa and the University is required to monitor and report on some of these conditions to the Australian Government Office. Information provided by students may be made available to Australian government agencies as required by the ESOS Act and related legislation.
The fact sheet below describes some of the same elements of ESOS:
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The ESOS laws protect your rights, including:
- Your right to receive current and accurate information about courses, fees and modes of study from ¼ before you enrol
- If you are under 18, to ensure your safety. You will be granted a visa only if there are arrangements in place for your accommodation, support and welfare.
- Your right to sign a written agreement with ¼ before or as you pay your fees, setting out the services to be provided, fees payable and information about refunds of course money. (Keep a copy of your written agreement.)
- Your right to receive the education you pay for. You are eligible for a refund or to be placed in another course if ¼ is unable to teach your course.
You also have the right to know:
- How to use your provider's student support services
- Who the contact officers are for overseas students
- If you can apply for course credit
- When your enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled
- What your provider's requirements are for satisfactory progress in the courses you study
- What will happen if you change providers
- How to use your provider's complaints and appeals processes.
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As an overseas student on a Student Visa, you have responsibilities to:
- Satisfy your Student Visa conditions
- Maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your stay
- Meet the terms of your written agreement with ¼
- Inform ¼ if you change your address
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- If you are under 18, maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.
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You are required to keep your current Australian residential address details and your mobile phone number up to date with the University while studying in Australia. The University also requires you to include your emergency contact details. You are required by law to inform the University within seven days of any changes to your current residential address.
You can update your contact address and emergency contact details on my¼.
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You are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. If you need a new visa, you must also extend your OSHC.
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As an international student on a Student Visa, you’re required to undertake a full-time study load and complete your program by the end date of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For most students, this means you need to be enrolled in 48 units of credit (UOC) in a year, and at least 12 UOC a term.
If you do not maintain a full-time study load, your visa and CoE could be impacted.
There are some circumstances where you can apply for a reduced study load.
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Changes to your enrolment such as program leave or early/late completion may impact your Student Visa.
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If you have completed study prior to enrolling at ¼, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. If approved, you can earn credit towards your current degree and shorten the length of your studies.
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Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students:
Academic standing is the key mechanism by which a student's progress in their program is monitored at the conclusion of each term, semester or hexamester.
Research students (PhD, Masters by Research of MPhil):
Satisfactory academic progress is monitored within your School and recorded in your Annual Progress Review. You must undertake one Annual Progress Review each academic year within your School.
If you're unsure whether you have taken an Annual Progress Review, you should discuss this with your supervisor.
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Find out what happens if you transfer to another program within ¼.
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International Student Guide to Meeting with Academic Advisors
Our guide aims to help you get the most out of meeting with your Faculty Academic Advisor or Support Coordinator.
How to make an appointment
Your Faculty Student Centre or Program Office usually manages appointments with Academic Advisors and Support Coordinators. You may be able to access an online booking system to make your appointment. You can also visit, call or email the Student Centre to schedule an appointment.
Peak times are usually just before census date, and just after the release of academic results. Please keep this in mind when making an appointment.
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Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) students
The Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government.
Learn about your responsibilities and the support available to you as an AAS student below:
Students under sponsorship from an approved sponsor organisation
All sponsored students at ¼ are subject to ¼'s policies and procedures, Australian Government regulations that govern Australian universities and their international students and specific sponsor requirements.
Working while you study
From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for Student Visa holders have been reintroduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight. For more information, see the regarding visa details and conditions.
If you are under sponsorship from the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) or an approved sponsor organisation, please check your work limit with your sponsor or read through our information on the AAS and other sponsorships.
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The 8104 work limitation means you cannot work more than 40 hours a fortnight, unless you are the family member of a student, in which case you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight.
Family members of Student Visa holders cannot work before the student’s course starts, unless they, or the student visa holder, held another visa that permitted them to work in Australia when they applied for the Student Visa.
Note: Family members of Student Visa holders who have started studying a masters or doctorate degree can work unrestricted hours. For more precise information, check visa details and conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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The 8105 work limitation means you cannot work in Australia before your course starts unless at the time of applying for this visa, you held another visa that permitted you to work in Australia. You also cannot work more than 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study or training is in session.
Note: There are some exceptions to the 48 hours a fortnight cap. For more precise information, check visa details and conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight.
If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it is not included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight if it:
Is of benefit to the community
Is for a non-profit organisation
Would not otherwise be undertaken in return for wages by an Australian resident (that is, it is a designated volunteer position), and
Is genuinely voluntary (that is, no remuneration, either in cash or kind is received – board and lodging is acceptable).
Working after you finish study
For information on post-study work arrangements, visit the following links:
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Student Visa holder work rights & important fair work information
Prior to finding work, find out about your rights. Information can easily be found online at the website. This website includes everything you need to know about working in Australia. If you are still unsure, contact ¼ Employability.
If you feel that you have been a victim of exploitation by an employer, do not hesitate to immediately.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has also recently established an Overseas Workers’ Team. This is a free interpreter service for those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Call 13 14 50 or visit for information about workplace laws translated into 27 different languages.
If you are under 18, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place on arrival in Australia before a Student Visa can be issued.
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Your visa may be cancelled if:
- You are non-compliant with visa conditions
- You are charged or convicted with an offence
- You do not meet Home Affairs'
- You provided false information on your visa application.
If you are in Australia or going through immigration clearance, Home Affairs will usually tell you of their intention to consider cancelling your visa. You will have the opportunity to put forward reasons why your visa should not be cancelled.
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There are lots of myths around visa cancellation, particularly when it comes to:
- Seeking legal or medical advice
- Tenancy and bond disputes
- Seeking mental health support or drug and alcohol related rehab
- Being a bystander during a physical altercation or emergency
- Calling emergency services for help.
None of these things will impact your visa. Only the Minister can cancel your visa.
If you have questions or if your visa has been threatened, contact The Nucleus: Student Hub for guidance.
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Academic intervention strategy
If your academic standing is below Good Standing, you may be advised by your academic advisor or faculty to reduce your study load as part of an academic intervention strategy.
Support is available to help you succeed
If you're worried about your academic progress, we encourage you to seek support early. Book a one-to-one appointment with an Academic Learning Facilitator below, browse the resources and support available from English Language Development, or enrol in the to reflect on your academic experience and identify the steps you'll need to take to achieve your academic and career goals.
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You can apply to reduce your study load under certain circumstances, including serious medical illness, the death of a family member or a delay in receiving your student visa.
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- If you'd like your family to visit or attend your graduation, please apply for an Award and Enrolment Statement or contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.
- If you would like to bring your family with you while you study, please refer to the .
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Your Student Visa is issued for the duration of your study program. Some students may need to apply for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and a new visa if their time of completion changes.
To apply for a new CoE you must submit a new .
To apply for a new Student Visa in Australia, refer to the .
Have a question?
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