Australia Interview Questions for Student Visa
Most international students find Studying in Australia exciting because it promises new horizons and academic opportunities. According to the information obtained from the official website of the Australian government, the number of international students who arrived in Australia in September 2023 increased by 9,530 than in the previous year. Experts say that the influx of international students applying for Australian student visas will increase in 2024 in response to the new student-friendly policies implemented by the Australian government.
Attending the interview for an Australian student visa is a crucial step to fulfilling your dream of study in Australia. Having an understanding of the Australian interview questions for a student visa is essential for you to have a hassle-free interview process.
Let’s quickly skim through the Australian student visa process before delving deeply into the interview questions.
Overview of the Australian Student Visa Process
You need a student visa to pursue your studies in Australia. Once you receive the confirmation of your enrollment at the university of your choice, you can start your student visa application process.
Log in to the official portal of the Australian government.
Fill in essential details and apply.
Get through the GTE assessment.
Get your financial stability verified.
Complete your health and character assessment.
Among all these steps, the interview round has immense influence on deciding your visa approval.
Importance of GTE Assessment
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) is an important requirement that has immense influence on making the final decision on approving your student visa. Its major purpose is to ensure that the applicants for Australian student visas will return to their home country after the completion of their studies and that they won’t misuse their student visas to settle in Australia. Therefore, the GTE assessment will have questions to evaluate:
the applicant’s background in their home country,
their circumstances in Australia and immigration history,
the significance of the chosen course in their future, and
the reason behind their intention to temporarily stay in Australia.
Some of the common questions in the GTE assessment are:
The answer to this question should be crisp and clear with your name and home country.
What is the purpose of your trip?
Keep in mind that you are attending this interview to get a student visa. So, answer by incorporating the details of the course you have chosen in Australia.
Do you have any work experience?
You can answer this question with a yes or no. If you are saying yes, back it up with further details and pieces of evidence.
What is your qualification?
Describe your highest academic qualification.
Have you heard about OSHC?
OSHC is the acronym for Overseas Student Health Cover. This helps international students to take care of their medical expenses while in Australia. You have to mention these details in your answer.
Explain about your family.
The interviewer wants to know about your obligations in your home country.
What is your plan after completing your education?
The interviewer wants to know whether you are planning to stay back in Australia. Politely tell them that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.
Given below are some of the common questions asked for Australian student visa interviews.
15 Australian Student Visa Interview Questions
Here is a list of common interview questions for Australian student visa applicants. Go through it and be prepared to ace your interview.
Why do you prefer to study in Australia than other countries?
Here, the interviewer wants to know why you want to study in Australia. While answering, mention how Australia’s education system, research opportunities, global exposure, etc can accelerate your academic, personal, and professional growth.
How many universities have you applied to?
You must provide accurate information for this question. You can even name a few universities.
Why did you choose this specific university?
You have to describe the university, its programs, its specialities, etc. It will convince the interviewer that you have researched well about the university and you are passionate about studying at that university.
Why did you choose this specific course?
You have to demonstrate that you have researched well about the scope of this course and how this particular course will lead you to achieve your professional goals.
Tell me the details of this course.
The officer is trying to check your interest and motives to study the particular course. So, you have to speak about the course structure.
Does this course have any connection with your previous degrees?
You have to establish a logical connection between the chosen course and the degree that you’ve completed before. If the course doesn’t link with your previous education, showcase your passion for learning new things and tell them how it will help you in the future.
How will you finance your studies and stay in Australia?
You must provide a detailed explanation of how you can manage your expenses in Australia. You can show your bank statements or the willingness of a sponsor to finance for you, etc.
How much do your parents earn?
The interviewer is trying to ensure that you can manage your expenses in Australia. Be honest while answering this question as your answer can be verified.
Why did you choose to do this course in Australia when the same degree is available in your country?
The interviewer is trying to ensure that you have a valid reason and a strong intention to study in Australia. So, explain how pursuing the same course in Australia is superior to in your home country.
Could you show me your IELTS/TOEFL scores?
The interviewer wants to check your language proficiency to ensure that you can communicate well with others if you are staying in Australia.
Do you have siblings? What are they doing?
Provide accurate information about your siblings, their occupations, and any other relevant information to help the officer understand well about their role in your life.
Do you have any intention of working part-time in Australia?
Recently, the Australian government has stated that international students with valid student visas can work up to 40 hours a fortnight. So, you can tell the interviewer that you would like to make use of this opportunity. This shows that you passionately follow every update about studying in Australia.
Have you been to Australia before?
Be honest while answering these questions. If you have visited Australia before, mention the purpose of the visit and the date.
What are your plans after returning to your home country?
You can talk about your career plans and how pursuing this course will help you to excel in them.
Why do we approve your student visa?
You have to be confident and explain why you are a suitable candidate for the student visa. Explain how getting a student visa can help you to achieve your academic and career goals.
Do’s and Don’ts while Attending Australian Student Visa Interview
Be polite while answering the questions.
Research and learn important things about your university and course.
Establish a logical connection between the chosen course and your previous degrees.
Explain clearly why you chose Australia over your home country.
Keep original documents with you.
Be honest and maintain eye contact.
Ensure that you have enough funds in your account.
Don’t be late for the interview.
Don’t use terms like “aboriginal” while answering any question. (It is considered as derogatory.)
Don’t bluff about your qualifications and achievements. They will ask you to present pieces of evidence for the same.
Documents Needed For the Visa Interview
Certificate of Enrolment (CoE)
A Statement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
Original Academic certificates
English Proficiency test scores
The interview is a crucial part of the application process for an Australian student visa. The interview questions are concerned with evaluating the candidate’s passion and willingness to pursue the course they have applied for. So, one must research well about the courses, universities, and their own academics before attending the interview. Therefore, being honest about your answers and expressing your passion for studies can get you through the Australia interview questions for a student visa.
