Step 1
You should visit or ring the Australian Education Centre (AEC) or Australian Diplomatic Mission (ADM) in your country. There you will find someone who will be able to discuss your choices with you and answer questions you may have.

Step 2
You can get application forms for the institution(s) which are of interest to you through the Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission. Alternatively you can ring, write, fax or email the institution(s) in which you are interested.

Step 3
The Australian Education Centre, Australian Diplomatic Mission or institution will give you an application to fill in and advise you what documentation you will need to prepare. They will also advise whether you will be required to take an English language proficiency test.

Step 4
Most application forms ask you to provide additional information, including:

• full details of previous study, including copies of qualifications already awarded to you
• the name of the course for which you are applying and your second and third preferences
• evidence of your proficiency in English
• the name of the person or organisation who will be responsible for paying your fees.

Step 5
The institution will advise you if you have been successful in your request for admission. If successful the institution will send you an enrolment letter. Institutions may also be able to grant provisional acceptance on the basis of previous academic performance in anticipation that your final examination results do not differ greatly from the grades already attained.

Step 6
Now you can begin the visa application process. The Australian Education Centre or Australian Diplomatic Mission will give you advice and assistance in preparing your application. You will be asked to have a medical examination as part of the visa process. Special forms will be provided for the doctor to complete.

Step 7
At about this point (and before a visa can be issued) you will also be required to pay a compulsory medical insurance fee (the Overseas Student Health Cover - OSHC) to pay for any medical or hospital treatment which you may need during your stay in Australia. You may also be asked to visit an Australian Diplomatic Mission for an interview as part of the visa process.

Step 8
Shortly after this you will be told whether your visa application has been successful. If so you will get a "multiple entry" visa allowing you to travel backwards and forwards to Australia within the period for which it has been granted. That period will depend on the course for which you have been accepted.

Step 9

You are on your way.

When the institution sends you notice of your admission it may include information about the city you are going to, its climate, your likely clothing requirements, information about local customs, shopping facilities, accommodation, transport, banking, mail and telephone services, the estimated cost of living and the amount of money you should bring with you when you first arrive, arrangements for your welcome and settling-in period and the date by which you are expected to arrive.