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Visa & Immigration

Can I study on a visitor visa in Australia?

Answered by LandedAU · 2026-06-29

Studying on a Visitor Visa in Australia

No, you cannot study on a standard visitor visa in Australia. Visitor visas are designed for tourism, visiting family, or short business activities only.

What You Can Do on a Visitor Visa

  • Take short recreational or hobby courses (usually under 3 months)
  • Attend conferences or seminars
  • Do volunteer work in some cases

What You Cannot Do

  • Enrol in formal degree programs or qualifications
  • Study full-time at any educational institution
  • Undertake vocational training or professional courses

The Right Visa for Study

If you want to study in Australia, you need a Student visa (subclass 500). This requires:

  • An offer of enrolment from an Australian educational institution
  • Proof of financial capacity to support yourself
  • English language proficiency
  • Health and character requirements

Student visas allow you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during study periods) and full-time during official breaks.

Next Steps

If you're interested in studying in Australia, contact your chosen institution about their student visa requirements and application process. They can guide you through the enrolment and visa application.

Student Visa Information - Department of Home Affairs

Visitor Visa Information - Department of Home Affairs

This is general information only. Check official sources before acting.

This is general information only. Always check official sources before acting. ← More questions

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