Frequently Asked Questions

You need to demonstrate genuine access to sufficient funds. For the 2025 requirements: living costs of AUD 24,505 per year for the primary applicant, plus AUD 8,574 for a partner/spouse, and AUD 3,670 per child. Additionally, you need to show funds for your first year’s tuition fees and travel costs (approximately AUD 2,000–3,000). The total financial requirement typically ranges from AUD 40,000 to AUD 75,000 depending on your course and family situation.

Yes! International students on a Student Visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks and holiday periods. The current minimum wage in Australia is AUD 23.23 per hour (as of July 2025), meaning part-time work can significantly help cover your living expenses while gaining valuable Australian work experience.

The Genuine Student requirement means you must demonstrate that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is to study. This involves showing strong ties to your home country, a clear study rationale, and a realistic plan for your future. RETNA prepares a strong GS statement for all clients.

Processing times vary but typically range from 4 to 8 weeks. Applying early and having complete documents significantly speeds up the process. RETNA ensures your application is lodged correctly the first time to avoid delays.

Yes, your spouse/partner and dependent children under 18 can come with you on a dependent visa. Your partner can also work full-time while you study a master’s or PhD program, and part-time for bachelor’s degrees.

Yes! The Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485) allows you to stay and work in Australia for 2–6 years after graduation, depending on your qualification and study location. This is your first step toward Permanent Residency.

Courses in nursing, engineering, accounting, IT, education, construction, and healthcare are among the most PR-friendly. RETNA helps you choose a course that aligns with your PR pathway goals from the very start.

Tuition fees vary by course and institution. For 2025: Undergraduate degrees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, postgraduate degrees from AUD 22,000 to AUD 55,000 per year, and doctoral degrees from AUD 18,000 to AUD 42,000 per year. Vocational education (VET) courses cost AUD 8,000 to AUD 20,000 per year. Living costs are approximately AUD 24,505 per year minimum as per visa requirements.

Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students in Australia. You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your student visa. OSHC covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals. Annual costs range from AUD 500 to AUD 800 for single cover, and AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 for couples/family cover. RETNA helps you arrange OSHC with providers like Bupa, Medibank, nib, and Allianz.

Regional universities are campuses located outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). Benefits of studying at regional universities include: lower tuition fees and living costs, up to 2 additional years on your Graduate Visa (485), extra 5 points toward skilled migration, access to regional-specific scholarships (Destination Australia program), smaller class sizes with more personalized attention, and a unique Australian lifestyle experience. Regional areas include Gold Coast, Newcastle, Geelong, Wollongong, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin.

Start by identifying your career goals and PR aspirations. Consider: (1) Your academic background and eligibility; (2) Course ranking and university reputation in your field; (3) Location preference (city vs regional); (4) Tuition costs and available scholarships; (5) Course structure, duration, and internship opportunities; (6) Graduate employment outcomes and industry connections. RETNA provides free personalized counseling to match you with the perfect course and university based on your unique profile and goals.

Entry requirements vary by university, course, and level. Generally: Undergraduate — completion of Year 12 or equivalent with minimum 60–90% marks and IELTS 6.0–6.5. Postgraduate — completion of a recognized bachelor’s degree with minimum 55–70% and IELTS 6.5–7.0. Some courses require prerequisites (e.g., mathematics for engineering), portfolios (design courses), or work experience (MBA programs). RETNA evaluates your profile and identifies universities where you have the best chance of admission.

Yes, Australia is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world for international students. Australian cities feature low crime rates, strict gun control laws, and a multicultural, welcoming society. Universities provide extensive student support services including 24/7 security, counseling, and dedicated international student advisors. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act legally protects international students’ rights.

TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and private RTOs (Registered Training Organizations) offer vocational education focused on practical, job-ready skills with qualifications ranging from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma. Universities offer academic degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) with a balance of theory and practice. TAFE qualifications are shorter (6 months to 2 years), more affordable, and can provide a pathway to university with credit transfer. Many students start at TAFE and then articulate into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree.

RETNA provides end-to-end support covering: (1) Personalized course and career counseling to identify the best options; (2) University and course selection aligned with your goals and PR pathway; (3) Application preparation and submission with document review; (4) Scholarship identification and application assistance; (5) SOP/Genuine Student statement preparation; (6) Student visa application with complete document compilation; (7) OSHC arrangement, accommodation guidance, and pre-departure briefing; (8) Ongoing support after arrival including future visa pathways and PR planning.