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Student Types: Definitions, Conditions and Requirements

In a globalised world where multiple modes of study exist, understanding which student category you fit into can at times be confusing.

When applying to study at the University, it is important to determine whether you will be an overseas student or a domestic student AND whether you will be studying off-shore or on-shore. Depending on your student category, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Australian Government.

On this page you will find definitions to help you to better understand the various types of student categories and conditions of study.

Definitions

Domestic Student

You are an Australian domestic student if you are:

  • an Australian citizen;
  • an Australian permanent resident (holders of all categories of permanent residency visas, including humanitarian visas and Pacific engagement visa), or
  • a New Zealand citizen.

Conditions of study

  • If residing overseas the student is classified as ‘Off-Shore’ and needs to be enrolled in an online course of study or travel back to Australia for intensive units.
  • Does not require a visa to study.

Fee-Help

To meet the citizenship and residency requirements for FEE-HELP, you must be one of the following: 

  • an Australian citizen who will study at least one unit of your course of study in Australia
  • a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder who meets the long-term residency requirements and who studies the entire course while living in Australia
  • a permanent humanitarian visa holder or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder who studies the entire course while living in Australia
  • a Pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s)
  • an Australian permanent resident who has been approved for bridging studies

How to apply (Coursework)

To apply to study as a domestic coursework student, complete the Admission Form for Domestic Coursework Students. Refer to the Apply for Admission into a Course webpage for more information about applications.

How to apply (Research)

To apply to study as a domestic Higher Degree by Research student, complete the Admission Form for Domestic Higher Degree by Research Students. Refer to the Apply for Admission into a Research Degree webpage for more information about applications.

Overseas Student

You are an overseas student if you are:

  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia,
  • a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand, or
  • a resident or citizen of any other country.

Conditions of study

  • If residing in Australia this student will be classified as ‘On-Shore’.
  • If residing overseas this student will be classified as ‘Off-Shore’.
  • Requires a visa to study ‘On-Shore’. May require the course of study to be CRICOS registered depending on visa type.
  • Does not require a visa if they study ‘Off-Shore’.

Fee-Help

  • Overseas students are not entitled to Fee-Help.

How to apply (Coursework)

To apply to study as a overseas coursework student, complete the Admission Form for Overseas Coursework Students. Refer to the Apply for Admission into a Course webpage for more information about applications.

How to apply (Research)

To apply to study as a domestic Higher Degree by Research student, complete the Admission Form for Domestic Higher Degree by Research Students. Refer to the Apply for Admission into a Research Degree webpage for more information about applications.

Onshore

A student who is residing in Australia for the semester and is undertaking a program of study conducted by an Australian higher education provider.

Offshore

A student who is residing overseas for the semester.

Student Visa 500

  • A visa granted to non-Australian/New Zealand citizens residing and studying in Australia full-time.
  • Course of study must be CRICOS registered.
  • Cannot study more than 1/3 of course online.

Other visa types

  • Other visas (excluding Humanitarian) that allow study in Australia (eg: Occupational Trainee 407) where a student is studying as part of their work placement.
  • Course of study is not required to be CRICOS registered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question

Answer

If I am an Australian citizen residing overseas can I study online and apply for FEE-HELP?

Yes. An Australian citizen can study online while residing overseas. To be eligible for FEE-HELP you will need to complete at least part of your course ‘On-Shore’ in Australia.

If I am not an Australian citizen, but I reside overseas and want to study online, can I enrol? Do I need a visa?

Yes. A non-Australian citizen residing overseas (Off-Shore) can study online. No visa is required to study Off-Shore.

If I am not an Australian citizen and want to study with the University while residing in Australia, do I need a visa?

Yes. You will require a visa to study On-Shore in Australia. If your visa type is ‘Student Visa 500’, you will be required to undertake a course of study that is CRICOS registered.

If I am on a Student Visa 500 can I study part-time?

No. It is a requirement that students studying on a Student Visa 500 must study full-time.

If I am in Australia on a humanitarian visa, can I study?

Yes. If you are a Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder, you can study as a ‘Domestic’ student in Australia.