The first time I saw the question “Can a pregnant woman apply for a student visa in Australia?” was when I was researching about studying in Australia.
At the time, I was trying to process my application to study in the country.
It got me thinking but I didn’t give it much attention.
Read also: If my visa is cancelled, can I apply again?
Little did I know that I’d experience this firsthand.
As a student at Charles Darwin University, I encountered many unique experiences, including witnessing a pregnant coursemate.
She had come to Australia to study just as many of us.
However, a few months into her program, she discovered she was pregnant.
It was a surprising turn of events, and she had to quickly figure out how to balance her academics with the upcoming responsibility of becoming a mother.
Although, when she applied for her student visa, she wasn’t pregnant – so it wasn’t something she had to consider.
But, even if she was, it wouldn’t have been an issue as it’s allowed.
Can a pregnant woman apply for student visa in Australia?
Yes, a pregnant woman can apply for a student visa in Australia. There isn’t any specific restriction or law preventing pregnant women from applying for a student visa in Australia.
The visa application process is the same, regardless of pregnancy or not. As long as you meet all the requirements for an Australian visa, you’ll be fine.
Read also: How to check if your international passport is ready
Therefore, if you’re pregnant and wish to study in Australia, go ahead with your student visa application, you’re allowed to apply.
However, while the visa process itself doesn’t change, pregnancy brings additional considerations.
If you’re pregnant and are applying for an Australian student visa, consider
- Your health
- Cost of medical care in Australia
- And, the financial demand of giving birth in Australia – when you finally get admitted to study in the country.
For my coursemate, it was a lot for her to handle – combining pregnancy and her academics.
Balancing studies and going through pregnancy stress isn’t easy.
Aside from the stress, you’ve to make sure your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) covers pregnancy-related expenses.
Even if you were not pregnant when you applied for your student visa but became pregnant while studying, the situation is the same.
What happens if an international student gets pregnant in Australia?
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) suggests that if as an international student, you get pregnant in the country, you should consider deferring or suspending your studies, especially because the pregnancy will affect your ability to complete your course.
In her case, she seriously considered this option at the beginning but ultimately decided to stay and continue her studies until the later stage of the pregnancy – when she suspended her studies.
What options do you have if you get pregnant as an international student in Australia?
For an international student in Australia who become pregnant, you can:
1. Continue your studies without deferring
Here’s what you need to know; no one will choose for you – you’ll decide for yourself.
You can choose to continue your studies without deferring or suspending your program – and that’s fine.
However, you won’t receive any form of aid or extra support outside what is obtainable in your institution.
You’ll cover all costs associated with the pregnancy that isn’t covered in your OSHC.
Read also: What happens if I withdraw my UK visa application?
The risk with this option is that balancing studies with pregnancy will be challenging – you need a strong support system in place.
In cases where medical complications arise and you’re unable to travel home, you can suspend your studies (at this stage) and stay in Australia to give birth under certain conditions.
Can you continue your course and bring a relative to help you?
Yes, you can. You’re allowed to bring a family member or friend from home to support you during your pregnancy if you’re continuing your studies.
If your family member was listed as a dependent in your original visa application, they can apply for a DFAT Student Dependent Visa (subclass 576).
2. Defer or suspend your studies
Deferring or suspending your studies allows you to take a break from your academic responsibilities and focus on your health and pregnancy.
As mentioned earlier, you’re allowed to suspend or defer your studies for up to 12 months.
During the suspension or deferment period, you’ll return home, and if you’re on scholarship, all your entitlements will be paused.
Once the suspension period is over, you can resume your studies and continue to receive your scholarships.
Notify your institutions
Whatever decision you make, notify your Student Contact Officer about your decision.
The Student Contact Officer will guide you on what to do, and be there for you where necessary.
Why do you need to defer or suspend your studies if you get pregnant in Australia?
If you become pregnant while studying in Australia, you’re encouraged to defer or suspend your studying to have your baby for the following reasons:
- Pregnancy will affect your ability to complete your studies.
- Deferring or suspending your studies gives you time to focus on your pregnancy, recover, and make necessary adjustments.
- It will reduce stress on you and give you time to take care of yourself and your baby before and after birth.
- You’ll have time to arrange a dependent visa if you need it.
- The cost of pregnancy and childbirth in Australia is high if it’s not covered in your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- You won’t get any funding for having a baby.
To defer or suspend your studies, contact your institution’s Student Contact Officer.
What to expect during and after the suspension
For my coursemate, deferring her studies meant returning home, where she stayed with her family – you can do the same.
This gave her the space and support she needed to focus on her pregnancy without the added pressure of academic deadlines.
She spent several months at home, recovering after childbirth and adjusting to life as a new parent.
During the suspension period, all her scholarship entitlements, including her living allowance and health insurance, were paused.
When she was ready to return to Australia, she had to go through the process of applying for a dependent visa for her baby -and her mother who came to help her with the baby.
Read also: If my UK visa is rejected when can I apply again?
On this, she met the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s requirements.
Although DFAT gave her a no-objection letter to support the visa application, all other costs, were covered by her.
What if a baby is born in Australia on a student visa?
If a child is born in Australia and at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of their birth, the child will be an Australian citizen.
Can an international student bring their child to Australia?
If you apply for a dependent visa for your child and provide proof that you have the financial capacity to support your child, you can bring the child to Australia as an international student.
If I get pregnant in Australia under a student visa, does that allow me to stay permanently?
No, it does not. Getting pregnant while on a student visa in Australia does not automatically allow you to stay permanently in the country.
Your visa status and the conditions attached to it will remain the same regardless of whether or not you get pregnant.
How much does it cost to give birth in Australia for international students?
The cost of giving birth in Australia for international students ranges from AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 or more, depending on the type of care (public or private), hospital, method of birth (natural or operation), and specific medical needs.
There is also the cost of prenatal and postnatal care.
What happens if I get pregnant while on a student visa in Australia and the dad is Australian?
If you get pregnant in Australia while on a student visa and the father is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your child will automatically become an Australian citizen.
You, on the other hand, will be eligible for visa extensions or alternative visas to stay in Australia for medical reasons or to care for your child.
Does having a baby in Australia give you citizenship?
Having a baby in Australia does not give you or the baby citizenship. For the baby to become a citizen of Australia, at least one parent (you or the baby’s father) must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia at the time of the child’s birth.
Do parents get citizenship through the birth of their child in Australia?
No, parents do not automatically receive Australian citizenship through the birth of their child in Australia. The child can get Australian citizenship if one of the parents is a permanent resident or citizen, but the parents must apply for their visas or citizenship through other means.
Read also: How to check UK visa status with passport number
If you’re pregnant, you can apply for an Australian student – there is no law stopping pregnant women from getting an Australian student visa.
And, if you get pregnant while in the country as a student, you’re encouraged to defer or suspend your studies to have your child and continue your program after giving birth.
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