01/03/2025
Australia is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and opportunities for personal and professional growth. For many, studying abroad is not a solo journey. If you are planning to study in Australia but worried about leaving your family behind? Don’t worry! Australian student visa with dependents allows you to bring your dependents, such as your spouse or children, with you while you study. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a Student Dependent Visa Australia in simple and easy-to-follow steps.
A Student Dependent Visa Australia allows international students to bring their immediate family members to live with them while studying in Australia. Dependents can include your spouse, partner, and children under 18 years old. This visa enables your family to support you during your studies, and in some cases, dependents can also work or study in Australia.
Additionally, this visa ensures that your dependents have access to healthcare and education, making it easier for families to stay together during your academic journey.
Here’s who qualifies as a dependent:
Spouse or Partner: This includes your legally married spouse or a de facto partner (someone you’ve lived with in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months).
Children: Dependent children under 18 years or older if financially dependent on you and meeting specific criteria.
Both you and your dependents must meet health and character requirements to qualify. This includes providing police clearance certificates and undergoing health checks as required by Australian authorities.
Applying for an Australia Student Visa with Dependent is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Gather the required documents for both you and your dependents:
For You (Primary Applicant):
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your educational institution
Passport
Proof of sufficient funds to support your family
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for all applicants
For Your Dependents:
Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship
Birth certificates for children
Health and character certificates
School enrolment for children of school age
Ensure that all documents are current, certified, and translated into English if necessary.
You can include your dependents while applying for your student visa or add them later with a separate application. Ensure you provide all supporting documents to avoid delays. If applying later, dependents will need to submit a "subsequent entrant" application through your ImmiAccount.
Prove that you can financially support yourself and your family. Australian authorities require evidence that you have enough funds to cover:
Your tuition and living expenses
Living costs for dependents (approximately AUD 7,362 per dependent per year)
School fees for children, if applicable
Acceptable forms of financial proof include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or proof of income.
Health insurance is mandatory. Your OSHC policy must cover you and all dependents for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Check with your provider to ensure adequate coverage and verify if your institution offers OSHC packages.
Apply for the visa online via the Australian Immigration website. Here’s how:
Create an ImmiAccount.
Complete the application form (subclass 500).
Upload all required documents.
Pay the visa fee.
Make sure to double-check your application before submission to avoid errors.
Your dependents must undergo health examinations and submit police clearance certificates. These are essential for visa approval. Schedule these appointments as early as possible to avoid delays.
Visa processing times vary based on factors such as completeness of your application and peak processing periods. On average, it can take 4–8 weeks. Once approved, your dependents can join you in Australia.
Family Support: Having your loved ones nearby provides emotional and practical support during your studies.
Work Opportunities: Spouses can work up to 40 hours per fortnight, or unlimited hours if you’re studying a master’s or doctoral program.
Education for Children: Dependent children can attend Australian schools, giving them access to high-quality education.
Shared Experiences: Living together in a new country allows your family to grow and adapt to a new culture as a unit.
Plan Financially: Budget for your tuition, living expenses, and additional costs for your dependents.
Stay Organized: Keep all documents ready and submit them on time to avoid delays.
Consult a Professional: An experienced migration agent can help simplify the process and ensure everything is done correctly. They can also assist with complex cases, such as adding dependents later.
Yes, they can apply as subsequent entrants if they are not included in your initial application. This requires a separate visa application and supporting documents.
Yes, spouses can work up to 40 hours per fortnight. If you’re pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, they can work full-time.
If your course extends, you’ll need a student visa extension for you and your dependents.
Yes, you will need to pay additional visa fees for each dependent included in your application. Factor this into your financial planning.
Applying for an Australia Student Visa with Dependent doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps and ensuring you meet all requirements, you can bring your family with you to Australia and enjoy the experience together. Whether it’s ensuring financial stability, completing health checks, or staying organized, each step plays a vital role in the application process. If you feel overwhelmed, consider seeking advice from an immigration expert to make the process smoother. Start preparing today and make your dream of studying in Australia with your family a reality.
