How long will my Australia student visa take if I am applying for a higher education course?
For higher education applicants, indicative figures suggest half of Australia student visa applications are decided in about 28 days, and 90 percent within roughly 5 months. The official page gives overall student visa processing times, so check the Department of Home Affairs site shortly before you apply.
For a higher education course, about half of Australia student visa applications are decided within 28 days, and 90 percent within 5 months. Those numbers come from recently decided cases and change over time, so treat them as a guide. Sector figures are indicative, and the official Department of Home Affairs page gives overall student visa processing times.
Processing times by education sector
| Education sector | 50% of applications | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education | 28 days | 5 months |
| ELICOS (English courses) | 22 days | 4 months |
| Vocational Education and Training | 4 to 7 months | Longer, case dependent |
| Postgraduate Research | 3 to 5 months | Case dependent |
What affects your wait
- Your sector and whether your application was complete on day one.
- Applications are sorted by education provider and sector, so priority differs between sectors.
- Higher priority only affects speed, and it has no effect on whether the visa is approved.
My Advice
Apply as soon as your CoE arrives and upload every document at once, since an incomplete file is the easiest way to lose weeks. Book your flight only after the grant, and leave a buffer before your orientation date.
Not sure which documents your Australian visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
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