How to Apply - International Students

1. Before You Apply

• Make sure that your academic results and English level meet the entry requirements for the school program that you have chosen. If you do not meet the English language requirements, you can study an intensive English course before you start school
• Choose a school. You should include at least 2 schools in your application. To find a school, click here

2. Complete an Application Form

• Download and complete an application form (90kb)
• Attach the following documents:
  • Certified copies of birth certificate and/or passport pages with personal details
  • Certified copies of school reports for the last 2 years, with certified English translations
  • 2 recent passport-sized photographs
  • Certified copy of English assessment results
  • If the nominated guardian is a DIAC-approved relative, proof of the guardian’s identity (certified copies of Australian Citizenship Certificate or passport and visa) and a signed Guardian/Carer declaration form
• Sign the application form – a parent must sign the application form unless the student is over 18 years of age
• To pay the application fee by credit card, provide credit card details on the application form, and write the amount: A$160 (non-refundable and GST inclusive) for the NSW government school program, or A$150 (non-refundable and GST inclusive) for a package of intensive English course at a TAFE English Language Centre plus NSW government school program

A 'certified copy' is a copy of an original document, signed and dated by one of the following officials, stating that they have seen the original document and that the copy is a true copy of that document:

• Official from the organisation that issued the original document
• Government official
• Public Notary
• Justice of the Peace

Faxed versions of certified copies are not acceptable.

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3. Send the Application Form

Send the application form, certified copies of documents, and bank cheque or money order for the application fee (if applicable) to:

By mail:
DEC International Students Centre
NSW Department of Education and Communities
Locked Bag 53
Darlinghurst NSW 1300 Australia

In person:
DEC International Students Centre
NSW Department of Education and Communities
827-837 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Please note: Student visa Holders MUST NOT apply directly to the school.

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4. Wait to Hear from Us

• Be patient. During busy periods it can take up to a week for us to process your application and respond.
• If your application is successful, we will send you:
  • Offer of a place (Letter of Offer)
  • Invoice for fee payments
  • Information about your student visa application
  • Airport pickup and accommodation fees, if you have requested them
• If your application is unsuccessful we will send you a letter outlining the reason or reasons you were unsuccessful.

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5. Accept the Offer

To accept the offer, pay the fees and charges listed on the invoice. Additional documents may also have been requested in your offer letter. Please provide these documents with your payment.

Payment must be made in Australian dollars:

• At any Westpac Bank in Australia
• By BPAY
• By credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
• By bank cheque
• By bank draft
• By postal money order
• Bank cheque, bank draft or postal money order must be made payable to ‘DEC International Students Centre’ and should be forwarded to:

By mail:
DEC International Students Centre
NSW Department of Education and Communities
Locked Bag 53
Darlinghurst NSW 1300 Australia

In person:
DEC International Students Centre
NSW Department of Education and Communities
827-837 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Please note:

• The Department of Education and Communities issues an official receipt either to the agent or directly to you
• Do not make your payment into an agent's account or any other account

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6. Apply for Your Visa

When we receive your payment, we issue you with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) form.

• Use the eCoE form to apply for your student visa.
• Apply to either:
  • The Australian Embassy or Consulate in your country/city
    or
  • The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Australia

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