The document summarizes Australia's student visa program for the schools sector. It outlines the key requirements, study and age requirements, and assessment levels for subclass 571 visas. Applicants must be enrolled in a primary or secondary program, have sufficient English ability and funds, and have approved welfare arrangements if under 18. The changes in 2014 simplified assessment levels and reduced financial requirements for some. It also describes requirements for student guardians accompanying students under 18 on subclass 580 visas.

1. AUSTRALIA’S STUDENT VISA
PROGRAMME
SCHOOLS SECTOR

2. Subclass 571 – Schools Sector
Key requirements
 Subclass 571 visa allows students to study a primary or
secondary school level course or a formal secondary
exchange programme.
• Confirmation of Enrolment is required (unless
secondary exchange) .
• Course of study must be registered on CRICOS
(unless secondary exchange).
• Secondary exchange must be a formally recognised
programme.

3. Subclass 571 – Schools Sector
Study and age requirements
 Student must be at least six years old.
 AL3 applicants:
 must have completed at leastYear 6 level (or
equivalent)
 cannot study at a level more than 18 months below
level already completed
 Must be under 15 forYear 7; under 16 forYear 8;
under 17 forYear 9; under 18 forYear 10;
 under 19 forYear 11 and under 20 forYear 12.

4. Changes in March 2014
Assessment Levels
The implementation of simplified assessment
levels resulted in removal of AL4 and AL5 with
former AL4 applicants now AL3.
Financial requirements for AL3 applicants
reduced from 18 months to 12 months with
condition that funds are provided by the
applicant or a close relative of the applicant.

5. Subclass 571 – Schools Sector
Assessment Level (AL) 3 Requirements
• English language satisfies education provider
– If student needs to study ELICOS, no more than 50 weeks is allowed
• Financial capacity
– Must show they have sufficient funds for the first 12 months for course
fees, living costs and school costs
– Must have sufficient funds for travel and the remainder of the proposed
stay
– Funds must be held by the student or by a close relative
– Funds must come from regular income

6. Changes in March 2014
Assessment Levels
• The implementation of simplified assessment
levels resulted in removal of AL4 and AL5 with
former AL4 applicants now AL3.
• Financial requirements for AL3 applicants reduced
from 18 months to 12 months with condition that
funds are provided by the applicant or a close
relative of the applicant.

7. Welfare arrangements for
students under 18
With a parent or a
legal custodian
Australian citizen,
permanent resident or
holder of a suitable visa
which permits them to
reside in Australia for the
required period
With a relative at
least 21 years old
Australian citizen,
permanent resident or
holder of a suitable visa
which permits them to
reside in Australia for the
required period
Must be of good character
Nominated by student’s
parent or legal guardian
Welfare
arrangements
approved by the
education provider
Can be any person or
organisation, provided the
arrangements are approved
by the education provider
Welfare arrangements must cover the entire study period. Student must live:

8. Subclass 571 – Schools Sector
Further requirements for students
under 18
• Parental consent requirements:
– Both parents consent to the grant of the
visa.
OR
– A court order permits the grant of the visa.
OR
– An Australian court order permits the grant
of the visa.

9. • Allows a student’s parent or relative to accompany a student
– The parent / guardian / relative must be nominated by the student.
– Only one person may be nominated.
– Usually only for students who are under 18.
• Student Guardian cannot bring other family members
– must not have any children under 6 and must make arrangements for own children remaining
in country.
– Only children who can studyYear 7 and up may accompany a Student Guardian.
• Must provide appropriate care for student
– Housing, support and general welfare
• Relative must be approved by a parent / guardian of the student
– Good character
• No work
Subclass 580 – Student Guardian

10. • Some overseas students are not subject to
ESOS.
• These include:
– Secondary student visa holders
– Secondary exchange students
– Other temporary visa holders
Non-ESOS overseas students