Understanding student visas

Visas for international students in Australia can only be granted for study in courses that are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing visas into Australia. To learn more about Australian student visa requirements, types, processing times and fees, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Applying for your visa

You must only apply for a student visa after you have accepted your offer to study at Swinburne. Your student visa will be issued for the course(s) listed on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Swinburne.

If you intend to study in Australia, you will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500). It will be subject to a range of conditions, such as attendance requirements. Based on your circumstances, your visa may come in another subclass.

To apply for a visa, you must submit these documents to the Department of Home Affairs:

  • your passport
  • your Confirmation of Enrolment from Swinburne
  • your Letter of Offer from Swinburne
  • all other documents on the Department of Home Affairs' visa checklist

If you’re under 18 years of age, your parent(s) must nominate a guardian before the Department of Home Affairs can consider your student visa application.

The Department of Home Affairs requires your guardian to:

  • live in Australia
  • be at least 21 years of age
  • be related to you
  • be of good character


The Department of Home Affairs defines a relative as a parent, step-parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, step-aunt, step-uncle, spouse, de facto partner, child, step-child, step-brother, step-sister, grandchild, niece, nephew, step-grandparent, step-grandchild, step-niece or step-nephew of the applicant.

If you do not have a relative who lives in Australia, your parents must arrange for you to stay in accommodation approved by Swinburne. They must also contact a Swinburne-approved care provider agency before we issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) form.

Swinburne recommends A&J Student Care Services and ISA Guardian and Welfare Services as care provider agencies.

Plan to bring your family to Australia?

Be sure to check the conditions outlined by the Department of Home Affairs or contact your nearest Australian embassies or consulates. Your student visa assessment criteria may change.

Learn more about bringing your family
ESOS Compliance for International Students

Swinburne adheres to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and National Code, which regulate course registration, promotion, student enrolment, and services for international students.

Find out more about our ESOS

Extending your visa

If you change or extend your course at Swinburne, you may need to extend your visa or change visa details. Visa extensions are not automatic and only permitted in certain circumstances as defined by the Department of Home Affairs. Restrictions may apply to changes and extensions.

1. Get your new Confirmation of Enrolment from Swinburne

Before can you apply to renew yout student visa, you must have your new CoE. Please allow at least 10 working days for Swinburne to issue the CoE.

The process may take longer during peak periods, such as the start of the semester. Applications received before the release of results of the current study period will not be processed until the results are published.

To apply for a new CoE, you need to:

  • be enrolled in units in the current or upcoming study period
  • know your expected course completion date
  • have a copy of the profile page of your passport (showing your photo, full name and passport number), a copy of your visa or e-visa, and an Overseas Student Health Cover* policy (valid until your expected visa expiry date after extension)


If you are a sponsored student who receives financial assitance from a government, organisation or company, you must provide a new financial guarantee on an official letterhead from your sponsor that is valid until the end of your course after extension.

*Students from Norway, Sweden and Belgium are exempt from OSHC.

Apply for CoE

2. Send your application to the Department of Home Affairs

You can lodge your visa renewal application via your ImmiAccount. You may need to provide other documents along with your CoE as required by the Department of Home Affairs.

More about student visas

Have a question about student visa?

If you need advice in visa application or extension, please contact the International Student Advisory Support by calling +61 3 9214 6741 or emailing isa@swinburne.edu.au. 

Learn more about International Student Advisors