UNSW Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP) Frequently Asked Questions
When will UNSW enact its new SVP policy?
The new UNSW SVP policy commenced in April 2012. The UNSW Declaration for Genuine Students is part of the standard Offer Letter. Students must either sign the Declaration in order to Accept their Offer Letter or they can Accept Online. UNSW will not issue any eCoE without the signed UNSW SVP Declaration. To Accept Online, please go to: my.unsw.edu.au
As UNSW participates in the Streamlined Visa Processing Arrangements, does it mean that all applicants with Offer Letters for all programs to UNSW are going to follow the Admissions Procedures and Arrangements for Streamlined Visa Process
Only applicants that are going to study in the programs listed below will be processed under SVP and follow the Admissions Procedures and Arrangements for Streamlined Visa Process:
- Bachelor degrees
- 2 plus 2 (or 3 plus 1) arrangements with UNSW partner universities
- Masters by coursework
- Research degree
- Study Abroad
- Exchange
- Sponsored Students and US Sponsored Financial Aid Students
- Packaged degrees (Foundation Studies and/or UNSWIL with UNSW degree)
Any applicants that are planning to study in programs not listed above will not be eligible for SVP and will need to follow the Acceptance procedures outlined in their offer letter (This means the applicant will not be required to submit the UNSW SVP Declaration).
- Short courses
- Associate degrees
- Graduate diplomas/certificates
- Advanced diplomas
- Any other Non-Packaged/Non-award courses
What is the estimated cost to study and live in Australia per year? How much should applicants prepare?
UNSW requires all applicants to guarantee they have sufficient funds for their studies and living expenses in Australia as part of DIAC visa requirements. The University recommends that all applicants have the ability to show enough funds for at least the first year of tuition plus a year of living expenses. The estimate for living expenses in Sydney is $20,000 AUD per year. In addition, we recommend that applicants have at least $2,000 AUD on arrival for start up costs, in order to cover the initial costs of books, rental bond, and furniture. The Australian Government national living expenses average is $18,610 AUD per year, and our University takes a conservative view on living expenses as every individual's needs are different. Thus, we have a higher estimate for living expenses.
Will the DIAC visa officer request that I show financial documents to them as part of my student visa application process?
Not all visa Applicants applying to UNSW under the Streamlined Visa Process will be required to attend a visa interview or be asked to provide proof of financial sufficiency. However, DIAC reserves the right to randomly choose any visa applicant for further investigation. UNSW strongly recommends that all applicants have a clear study plan in place to talk about, including future career aspirations following their degree in Australia. UNSW recommends that all applicants have documents prepared to show the DIAC visa officer that they can afford a minimum of first year tuition fees and a minimum of first year living expenses will be available to them. For more information on living costs in Australia and evidence of funds that may be required by the Australian Government for your Student visa, please follow this link: www.immi.gov.au/students/student-visa-living-costs
For packaged programs like UNSW Foundation with UNSW bachelor degree, or UNSWIL with UNSW masters degree, according to UNSW’s new SVP policy, do students need to pay the bachelor’s deposit?
Nothing has changed with the amount paid to UNSW Foundation, UNSWIL or to UNSW as part of any packaged process - it is exactly the same as before. If a student is required to pay any deposit to UNSW or UNSW Global, such fees will be outlined clearly on the Offer letter. UNSW reserves the right to ask all applicants to provide proof of Financial Sufficiency, irrespective of nationality. UNSW Direct Admissions will contact the individual applicant and/or their representative if further documentation is required.
If a student is under 18, are there any additional requirements?
There are no additional requirements for applicants under 18 years of age. All current processes remain the same, (ie CAAW). Parents or guardians must sign the Declaration on behalf of the applicant.
If a student doesn’t want to engage with the new UNSW SVP policy, can they still accept the offer letter and receive an eCoE?
No. All applicants to UNSW must adhere to our UNSW SVP policy. There are different policies in place for Full-Degree (Packaged, UG and PG), Research, Sponsored Students, US Financial Aid/Loans, and Study-Abroad/Exchange students. Please choose carefully the correct guidelines according to the case of the applicant.
What if an applicant’s IELTS is below 5.0 or doesn’t have IELTS, but have enrolled an English course at UNSW Institute of Languages, can they receive a UNSW eCOE for their primary course and are the eCOEs streamlined under SVP arrangements?
Under SVP, it is a matter for the university to determine an applicant’s English ability and proof of Financial Sufficiency to fund their studies in Australia. As long as the student has UNSWIL’s eCOE, the student will be packaged to UNSW eCOE and they will be streamlined.
Can a student package a UNSW CoE with an ELICOS or Foundation Studies program CoE from another provider?
Students can only package a UNSW CoE with a CoE from UNSW Global (for UNSW Foundation Studies or UNSW Institute of Languages programs).
If the student’s eCoE is streamlined, does this means the visa will be automatically approved?
No. It is up to DIAC to make the final determination if the student should be considered a Genuine Temporary Entrant and if a visa should be granted or not. A student visa cannot be guaranteed just because the university has issued an eCoE. Any applicant that is refused a visa should request in writing the reasons for rejection and contact UNSW International or Direct Admissions immediately. All concerns can be directed to: unsw.international@unsw.edu.au
What are the approved UNSW sponsors? / Will applicants always have to contact sponsoredstudents@unsw.edu.au to find out if their organisation is on the list?
The UNSW approved sponsor is a government, non-government or corporation that is recognised or approved by UNSW. If you are a sponsored student, you should always contact sponsoredstudents@unsw.edu.au to find the most up to date UNSW sponsor list. All sponsored students should follow the Sponsor Student Registration and Application Process available at: www.international.unsw.edu.au/living-sydney/visa/
Does the applicant need to provide their health check documentation in order to obtain an eCOE?
No, UNSW does not require health check evidence for eCOE issuing.
What will happen if a student knowingly completes the Declaration with inaccurate or untrue information?
If UNSW or UNSW Global believes a student may have knowingly completed the Declaration with inaccurate or untrue information the university will be obligated to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and will cancel the Offer of Admission as well as the eCoE.
