Visa Information

Students accepted to study at the University of Adelaide will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission, Embassy, Consulate or High Commission

All international students wishing to study in Australia must obtain a valid student visa. The visa application requirements and processing time can be lengthy, taking anywhere from a few weeks up to several months. It is very important that you contact the nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission, Embassy, Consulate or High Commission for information as early as possible in the application process.

When the payment to accept your offer is received (payment can be made by credit card or bank cheque) the University will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) document, which will enable you to apply for a student visa.

Visa applications are assessed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) according to the assessment level of individual applicants. The passport you hold and the education sector of your principal academic program determines your Assessment Level. For a full list of Country Assessment Levels, go to www.immi.gov.au/allforms/ and select form 1219i.

For more information on student visas please consult:

• your International Representative (agent), if you are applying through an official International Representative of the University
• your nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission, Embassy, Consulate or High Commission 
• the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

Applicants may also review the information found on the University's Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (Cth) web site.

Students Under the Age of 18

If you are living with your parents or an eligible relative in Adelaide as defined by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) you can commence your studies prior to turning 18 years of age.   DIAC define an eligible relative as a parent (including adoptive), brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, grandparent, step-grandparent, aunt, uncle, step-aunt, step-uncle, niece, nephew, step-niece or step-nephew over the age of 21 years.

If you can meet this condition, you will be required at the time of accepting the University's offer to:
(a) have your parent complete the Under 18 Parent Declaration form (pdf 35kB), and return this with your acceptance of offer to be eligible to receive a Confirmation of Enrolment for student visa application; AND

(b) provide evidence to DIAC that you are living with your parent or eligible relative in order to be granted a student visa. More information about the DIAC requirements is available on their website.

Please note the University does not offer care arrangements for students under the age of 18 years, so if you are unable to live with your parent or eligible relative in Adelaide you will not be able to commence your degree until your turn 18 years of age.

For more detailed information about your admissions procedures please contact the International Office directly.