Chances of getting Australian student visa after a refusal

Although Australia has a high student visa success rate – 85.1% to 86.7% – many applications still get refused.

When I applied, my first attempt was unsuccessful too. However, I was able to secure my visa on the second try.

If you’ve been refused, your chances of getting an Australian student visa are still strong, as long as you address the reasons for the refusal.

Many students, including myself, have successfully obtained their visas after making necessary improvements to their applications.

I believe you can too. Here’s how to increase your chances and strengthen your application before you reapply.

Chances of getting Australian student visa after refusal

Your chances of getting an Australian student visa after refusal depend on how well you address the issues that led to the initial denial.

When your Australian student visa is refused, carefully go through the refusal letter, find out the reasons for the refusal and address it properly before you reapply.

This will increase your chances of getting approval.

When my student visa application was refused, it was because the authorities weren’t convinced that I’d return after studying.

Read also: What happens if an international student gets pregnant in Canada?

To stand a better chance of getting approval, I provided more evidence that I’d return, backed my application up with documents and reapplied.

I got approval later.

The reasons for your refusal can be different, however, one thing is certain, if you address the issues raised, you’ll get approval.

Read also: Buying a house in Canada as an international student – Is it possible?

The important point here is that you understand what you need to do.

What to do after Australian student visa refusal

If your Australian student visa is refused, the first thing you should do is carefully read the refusal notice to know the reason.

Once you know why it was rejected, make the necessary corrections before reapplying.

Step 1: Finding out the reasons for the refusal

When you receive a refusal notification from the Department of Home Affairs, read it thoroughly.

In the refusal letter, they’ll explain the specific reasons for the refusal.

When you know the reason, you’ll know what you need to do next.

Read also: I have received my student visa for Canada, how many months before I can travel?

PS:  If you don’t understand the reason for your visa refusal after reading it, speak with an immigration agent or contact the visa office where you submitted your application to get a clear explanation.

In addition, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs if you submitted it online.

They have a Global Service Centre (GSC) which you can contact from Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm your local time.

• In Australia
  Phone: 131 881 ​​
• Outside Australia
  Phone: +61 2 6196 0196​

If you want to reach their offices outside Australia, check the list of locations here.

Common reasons for Australian student visa refusal

Your application can be refused for:

• Insufficient proof of funds: The Australian government need you to show solid proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
• Submitting an incomplete application: If any required documents or section of your application is missing, it will be considered incomplete.
• Failure to meet health requirements: You need to pass a medical examination and meet Australia’s health standards. If your medical report shows that you’re a health risk to the public, your visa will be denied.
• Not meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: You must prove that you intend to stay in Australia only temporarily for study and will return to your home country afterwards.
• Irrelevant academic background: If your chosen course doesn’t align with your previous academic, it can cast doubt on your genuine intention to study.
• Submitting incorrect or misleading information: If you provide false or misleading information, your application will be refused.
• Your immigration history: If you have a history of visa refusals, cancellations, overstaying, or non-compliance with visa rules.
• No health insurance: If you don’t provide proof of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, your visa will be refused.
• Lack of English language proficiency: If you don’t provide proof of your proficiency, your application will be rejected.

When you read the refusal notification, you’ll likely find any of these reasons.

Step 2: Address the reason for the refusal

Now you know why your Australian student visa was refused, you need to fix the issue.

If they questioned your intention to return home, write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Explain your study goals, why you chose Australia, and how your course fits your background.

For insufficient proof of funds, include more proof like your bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial guarantee letters.

Your evidence must show that you’ve enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses (while in the country), and travel costs.

If the authorities have doubts about your language proficiency, take language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE) and submit your score.

Read also: Can I extend my student visa in the UK if I fail?

For an incomplete application, go through the entire application, attach all required documents and ensure you fill out all the required information.

Furthermore, be honest in your application, if you have any concerning immigration history, come clean.

Avoid making false claims.

Step 3: Reapply

After addressing the reason for the refusal, you can apply again.

Write a cover letter explaining the changes you’ve made.

Update all your documents and information – make sure they’re correct before you submit.

Can I apply for an Australian student visa after a refusal?

Yes, you can apply for an Australian student visa after a refusal. However, you must address the issue that led to the refusal before reapplying.

Submitting the same application without improving it will only result in another rejection.

Before you reapply, address the reasons for the initial refusal – that’s the secret.

How long after a visa refusal can I apply again in Australia?

There is no specific waiting period mandated by the Australian immigration authorities for you to reapply after a visa refusal.

You can apply again when you’ve addressed the reasons for the refusal.

How many times can I apply for a student visa in Australia?

There is no set limit on the number of times you can apply for an Australian student visa. You can apply as many times as you want.

However, instead of applying many times and getting the same result, address the reason for the refusal before reapplying so you can get approval.

If your Australian student visa application has been refused, understand and address the reason for the refusal and reapply.

Read also: What happens if I don’t get my student visa on time in Australia?

Many students have successfully secured their visas after an initial refusal – by addressing the reason for their previous refusal and reapplying.

Additional resources

• Department of Home Affairs – Australian Government: Official Website
• Study in Australia: Study in Australia
• Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA): MARA