Student Visas

Professional Development Visa (Subclass 470)

This visa is designed for people who fall into one of the following three categories:

• Professionals;
• Managers;
• Government officials.

In order to be eligible for the grant of this visa, you must fall into one of the above categories and must undertake a course of study aimed at enhancing your professional development. This visa allows for training programs and courses of study of up to 18 months in duration.

If you require assistance applying for this visa, please click here.



Trade Skills Training Visa (Subclass 471)

This visa is aimed at reducing the wide spread skills shortage in Australia. Accordingly, the aim of this visa is to assist young people from overseas to undertake an apprenticeship in regional Australia. In order to be considered for this visa, you must:

• be aged between 18 and 35;
• be prepared to undertake a full-time apprenticeship;
• find an Australian employer willing to provide sponsorship;
• have Vocational English skills;
• have sufficient money to support yourself throughout the completion of the apprenticeship; and
• have private health insurance in Australia to cover you for the period of apprenticeship.

This visa has been abolished effective from 10 September 2007. This means that you can no longer apply for this visa.


Occupational Trainee Visa (Subclass 442)

This is a temporary visa designed for foreign nationals who wish to undertake workplace-based training with an Australian employer. The application for this visa is a two-stage process, namely:

• the Australian employer is required to nominate a trainee; and
• once the nomination has been approved, the nominated trainee is required to apply for the visa.

In order for the training to be approved it must be supervised and the Australian institution offering the training is required to submit a training plan naming at least two supervisors. Moreover, in order for this visa to be approved, the occupational trainee is required to show that the training undertaken will enhance his/ her skills in the field of his/ her profession or area of study.

If you require assistance applying for this visa, please click here.