What do you need help with? 

I want to...	Go to...
Renew my student Visa	Student visa renewal
Understand my working rights	Working while studying
Stay in Australia after I graduate	Graduate vis (Subclass 485)
Check is something may affect my Visa	FAQs

Student Visa Renewal  

Who is this for?  

Students whose current visa will expire before they finish their degree.  

Apply before your visa expires otherwise you might face complications – it can take approximately 3 months to complete! 

Before you apply 

You will need: 

• A new confirmation of enrolment from UNSW (CoE) (For more information click here) 
• Valid overseas student health cover (OSHC) 
• A valid passport  
• To set up an ImmiAccount (Click here) 
• Supporting documentation required by Home Affairs (for more information on this click here)

 

The Process  

1. Check when your current visa expires 

2. Request a new CoE from UNSW  

3. Extend your overseas student health cover  

4. Have all your documents prepared  

5. Lodge your application through ImmiAccount  

6. Monitor your application and respond to any requests on the portal  

 

Working while Studying 

Can you work?  

Yes, within the conditions of your student visa you can work up to 48 hours in a fortnight while you are studying.  

Before you start work check: 

• How many hours you are allowed to work  

• Whether your work is paid or unpaid  

• Whether your employer is following Australian workplace laws 

Does volunteering count as working?

NO it doesn't!! You can volunteer and the hours will not count towards your 48 hours per fortnight work limit as long as it:  

• Is of benefit to the community with a non-profit organisation  

• Would not otherwise be undertaken by an Australian for pay 

• That you receive no financial compensation  

Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Thinking about staying Australia after graduation?  

The termporary graduate visa may allow eligible graduates to remain in Australia to work or gain experience after completing their studies. 

Before you apply check that you:  

• Have completed an eligible qualification  

• Met the Australian study requirement within the last 6 months (minimum 92 weeks in CRICOS-registered study) 

• Have studied in Australia for at least 16 calendar months 

• Hold a valid substantive visa (such as a student visa) 

• Meet the English language requirements (if applicable) 

• Have valid health insurance for the Temporary Graduate visa (not OSHC) 

 

You will also need:  

• Letter of Completion or Award Statement from your university  

• Official academic transcript 

• Identity, travel and proof of address documents 

• Australian Federal Police (AFP) check (issued within the last 12 months) 

• Health examinations (if requested by the Department of Home Affairs) 

• English language test results (if required) 

• National Identity Card (if applicable) 

• If you are bringing your partner or dependent children, you will need proof of relationship documents and AFP police checks and health insurance for members aged 16 years or older 

For more information on this visa click here 

FAQs

When can my Visa be cancelled?  

• Incorrect information or false documentation  

• Failure to comply with visa conditions 

• Bad character or other public interest grounds  

• Committing an offence under the Migration Act 1958 

What does it mean to have my visa cancelled due to bad character? 

• It means you could have a substantial criminal record  

• There is a significant risk to the community that you will 

• Engage in criminal conduct; or  

• Harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person in Australia; or  

• Engage in vilification or incite discord; or  

• Be a danger to the Australian community (by being violent or threatening harm) 

What happens if I am suspended from UNSW?  

• It will normally result in the cancellation of your student visa because satisfactory attendance and progress is a condition of your visa 

• You need to contact the department of home affairs as soon as UNSW gives you notice  

Am I eligible for a Concession Opal card?

• No, unfortunately most international students are not eligible for a concession card
• There are unique circumstances where you can get one (for more information click here) 

What happens if I owe tuition fees to UNSW? 

• Not paying your tuition can lead to the cancellation of your enrollment at UNSW at will result in the cancellation of your visa  

• If you are experiencing financial hardship, check out the financial support available for students (click here)  

Who should I contact if I don’t understand what is happening with my visa?  

• Firstly, contact the department of home affairs (Click here)  

• Secondly, reach out to the nucleus (Click here) 

• Thirdly, you can email the international office international.student@unsw.edu.au  

• If you are still unsure reach out to Arc via the online portal