So, you’ve decided to take the bold step — to study in Australia, explore new opportunities, and build a brighter future.
That’s incredible!
But before you start packing your bags or telling your family you’re moving “down under,” there’s one big milestone to cross: your student visa application.
At Afrovo, we’ve guided hundreds of African students through this process — and we’ve seen where most people get stuck. So, to help you avoid stress, delays, or costly mistakes, here’s your step-by-step student visa preparation checklist, built specifically for Africans like you.
Everything starts here.
Your course and school choice can make or break your visa application — because they determine:
Whether you qualify for a visa
Your tuition fees and living cost
Your post-study work rights
Checklist:
Research accredited institutions via CRICOS
Choose a course aligned with your academic background and future goals
Confirm if your institution is on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
Check tuition costs and intake dates
Afrovo Tip: Pick a program that aligns with your past studies or career path — this strengthens your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement.
Once you’ve chosen a school, it’s time to apply for admission.
Checklist:
Prepare your academic transcripts and certificates
Write a strong statement of purpose (SOP)
Provide English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) if required
Pay your deposit after receiving a conditional offer
Collect your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — this is crucial for your visa application
Afrovo Tip: Double-check your name, date of birth, and course details on the CoE — errors here can delay your visa approval.
The Australian government wants to ensure you can afford your studies and living expenses.
Checklist:
Show funds for at least 12 months of tuition, travel, and living costs
Proof may include:
Bank statements (your sponsor’s or your own)
Employment letters or pay slips
Scholarship letters (if applicable)
Demonstrate access to funds, not just availability
Afrovo Tip: Include clear, verifiable documentation from a trusted financial institution — fake or unverifiable documents are a common reason for visa refusal.
Visa documentation is where most people panic. Don’t worry — we’ll break it down.
Checklist:
Valid international passport (at least 6 months validity)
Birth certificate or national ID
Academic transcripts and certificates
English language test results
Proof of relationship (if applying with dependents)
Proof of employment (if applicable)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
Health insurance (OSHC – Overseas Student Health Cover)
Afrovo Tip: Scan and label your files properly before uploading — e.g., “Passport_Adewale.pdf,” “BankStatement_March2025.pdf.” Small details matter.
Before approval, you’ll need to complete a medical check at an authorized panel clinic and biometric capture.
Checklist:
Book your medical exam via Bupa Medical Visa Services or an approved clinic in your country
Bring your passport and HAP ID (from your online visa application)
Complete biometric capture at a VFS Global center near you
Afrovo Tip: Schedule your medicals early — clinic backlogs can delay visa processing.
Your GTE statement is your personal story — and it’s what convinces the visa officer you’re a genuine student, not just someone looking for a way in.
Checklist:
Explain why you chose Australia
Describe your course and how it aligns with your career goals
Show strong ties to your home country (family, job prospects, property, etc.)
Be clear, honest, and personal — no copy-pasting from the internet
Afrovo Tip: Think of your GTE as your “why.” The stronger and more genuine it is, the higher your visa approval chances.
Finally, the big step — submitting your application through ImmiAccount.
Checklist:
Create or log in to your ImmiAccount
Complete the Student Visa (Subclass 500) form
Upload all documents carefully
Pay the visa fee (AUD 710 as of 2025)
Submit and await acknowledgment
Afrovo Tip: Review your application at least twice before submission. Even a small mistake (like a wrong date) can cause long delays.
After applying, the waiting begins.
Checklist:
Track your application status on ImmiAccount
Respond quickly to any additional document requests
Prepare your travel plans in case of approval
Keep your visa grant notice safe — you’ll need it for entry
Afrovo Tip: Most visa decisions take 4–8 weeks, but this varies. Stay patient and keep all communication official.
Congratulations — you did it!
Once your visa is approved:
Checklist:
Book your flight (compare prices early)
Arrange your accommodation
Pack essentials (including certified copies of key documents)
Attend pre-departure briefings (Afrovo offers these too!)
Keep digital backups of your CoE, visa, and insurance
You don’t have to do this alone.
At Afrovo, we’ve simplified the entire student visa process for Africans — guiding you step by step, ensuring your documents are right, your GTE is strong, and your timeline stays on track.
Our students enjoy:
Personalized visa coaching
Document verification and certification
GTE review and editing
Trusted school and scholarship connections
Whether you’re just starting or halfway through your process, we can help you make the journey smoother and more successful.
Applying for a student visa from Africa can seem complicated — but with the right roadmap, it becomes completely achievable.
The key is preparation, precision, and professional guidance.
So before you take your next step, ask yourself: Have I ticked every box on this checklist?
If not — don’t worry. Afrovo is here to walk you through it.
We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.
Email: hello@afrovo.com
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Facebook: @Afrovo