A student visa to study in Australia comes with a number of restrictions.
The following condition(s) might be attached to a student visa:
- 8104 – Work restriction: 40 hours a fortnight
- 8105 – Work restriction
- 8201 – Maximum 3 months study
- 8202 – Meet course requirements
- 8203 – Limited study change
- 8204 – Study limitations
- 8303 – Not be disruptive
- 8501 – Maintain adequate health insurance
- 8516 – Continue to satisfy the criteria for the grant of the visa
- 8517 – Maintain adequate arrangements for the education of your school-age dependants
- 8518 – Maintain adequate arrangements for your education
- 8532 – Maintaining welfare arrangements for minors
- 8533 – Inform provider of address
- 8534 – No further stay
- 8535 – No further stay
Australian government has introduced or expanded on two new conditions: 8204 and 8303.
As per condition 8204, an international student must not undertake or change their course of study, thesis or research topic without the approval of the Minister, for a:
- graduate certificate
- graduate diploma
- master’s degree
- doctorate, or
- any bridging course required as a prerequisite to a course of study or research for a master’s degree or doctorate
Earlier, international students in Australia were able to easily change original course that they have been studying for six months or more with permission from the educational provider.
However, now this approval must come from the Minister.
“This approval can only be given after the Minister has obtained an assessment from the competent Australian authorities that you are not likely to be directly or indirectly a risk to Australian national security.”
Further, condition 8303 has been introduced so that international students do not actively engage or promote extremist views and interrupting the operation of the Australian community.
“You must not become involved in activities disruptive to, or violence threatening harm to, the Australian community or a group within the Australian community.”
If you are not sure which restrictions you currently have on your visa, please check your conditions on VEVO or have a look at the visa grant letter you received.
