If you are travelling to Australia, Canada or New Zealand to study, you will most likely need a student visa. In this article, we will consider the features of student visas for each country.
Australia
In Australia, a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is issued to students who wish to study for more than three months. A visa can be issued for language courses, tertiary education programs and school education for children from 6 years old. Adult students are allowed to work no more than 40 hours a fortnight and 40 hours a week during vacations.
An Australian student visa allows you to come to study with a partner and children. Family members are included in the main student’s application and receive the same student visas.
Read more about student visas to Australia
Canada
In Canada, a Study Permit is issued for studies longer than six months. If your course is shorter, you can study with a travel visa. While studying at a university or college, a student can work up to 20 hours a week (and 40 hours a week during vacations). The decision to grant the right to part-time work is made by the visa officer at the border upon the student’s arrival in Canada.
In some cases, a student’s partner can apply for an Open Work Permit and children – for free schooling. The granting of this right depends on the student’s university – it must be a public college, a university or a private college with the right to award academic degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, doctor’s).
Read more about student visas to Canada
New Zealand
In New Zealand, a student visa is required if you are travelling to study for a course longer than 12 weeks. It can be language courses, vocational training or school education.
On a student visa, most 18+ students have the right to work 20 hours a week during the study and 40 hours a week during vacations. If a student is 16-17 years old, written permission for part-time work from the parents and the school is required.
In addition to the student visa, New Zealand also has a Limited Purpose visa. It differs from a regular student visa in that its owner cannot apply for another visa while in New Zealand. Upon completing the training, you will have to leave the country and apply for a new visa outside New Zealand. This option is not convenient for those who plan to continue their studies or apply for a work visa, but in general, the limited visa does not bear any negative consequences.
