What do I need to do an exchange in Australia?
Plan for Study and work in Australia a requires organization and detailed knowledge about the documents required to obtain a student visa. With the reclassification of Brazil as a Level 2 country by the Australian government, proper documentation became even more crucial to guarantee the approval of your dream of studying in the country of kangaroos. In this comprehensive guide, we detail all the essential documents for the Australian visa, as well as valuable tips to increase your chances of approval.
The importance of correct documentation
The student visa (subclass 500) is the official document that allows you to study in Australia for more than three months. The entire process is carried out online through the ImmiAccount platform, and the correct presentation of the documents is decisive for the success of your application. Inadequate or incomplete documentation is one of the main causes of visa refusals for Brazilians.
Fundamental documents for the Australian student visa
1. Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
The Confirmation of Enrollment or Certificate of Enrollment (CoE) is the most important document for your student visa. Some essential features:
- Issued by the Australian educational institution after payment of the first installment of the course
- Contains the code CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students)
- Specify the exact course duration, fees, and institution information
- Important update: Since January 2025, Offer Letters are no longer accepted by immigration authorities - only the CoE is valid
To study in Australia for more than three months, you will need a student visa (subclass 500). The application process is done entirely online through the ImmiAccount platform. Learn about the main updated requirements for 2025:
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): You must be enrolled in a registered course (CRICOS) and provide a CoE that is issued by the educational institution upon payment of the first installment of the course. Since January 2025, Offer Letters are no longer accepted by immigration authorities. The CoE contains essential information about your course, duration, fees, and CRICOS code, making it the most important document for your visa.
2. Financial proof
Financial proof is one of the most important points for obtaining an Australian visa in 2025. The authorities need to make sure that you will have enough resources to support yourself during your studies, even before you can get a local job. This requirement aims to ensure that international students do not face financial difficulties that could jeopardize their studies or cause them to violate visa conditions.
To prove your financial capacity, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover AUD 29,710 per year (equivalent to AUD 2,475.83 per month). It should be noted that this amount is intended only for basic living expenses, such as food, accommodation, and transportation. Educational costs (university fees or VET courses) and airline tickets (approximately AUD 2,000 round trip) are not included.
Accepted documents for financial proof include:
- Bank statements: From the last 3 months, demonstrating financial stability
- Income Tax Return: From the sponsor (parent or spouse)
- Explanatory letter: In the case of large or recent deposits
- Certified translations: All documents in Portuguese must be officially translated
Proper financial documentation is essential to the success of your visa application. Australian authorities carefully review these documents to verify the legitimacy and availability of the funds. Here's how you can prove your financial standing to Australian authorities:
Bank statements: They must be from checking accounts, investments, or investments for immediate use (redeemable within 1 day). The statements need to cover the last 3 months, demonstrating financial stability and not just a recent deposit. They may be in your name or those of immediate family members (parents, spouse). If they're in your parents' name, you'll need to include a birth certificate to prove kinship. Avoid including long-term assets or investments, such as real estate or private pension.
3. Health Insurance (OSHC)
Health Insurance (OSHC): Required for the entire duration of the visa, with costs between AUD 500 and AUD 800 per year (e.g. Bupa, Medibank, Allianz). This insurance covers medical appointments, exams, hospitalizations, and some medications. It is essential that the coverage extends over the entire visa period, not just the duration of the course. Some nationalities, such as Norwegians and Swedes, may be exempt from this requirement due to bilateral agreements.
Required documents:
- Proof of employment from OSHC
- Payment receipt
- Policy covering the entire visa period (not just the duration of the course)
4. Proof of English proficiency
English proficiency: Proven by tests such as IELTS (5.5—6.5), TOEFL iBT (46-94), PTE Academic (42-64), or Cambridge English (154-176), as required by the educational institution. The required level varies depending on the type of course: vocational courses generally require lower scores, while university programs require higher scores. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application. Language courses do not require a proficiency test.
Accepted documents:
- IELTS Academic Certificate (minimum score 5.5-6.5)
- TOEFL iBT Certificate (minimum score 46-94)
- PTE Academic Certificate (minimum score 42-64)
- Cambridge English Certificate (minimum score 154-176)
importantly: Certificates must be issued less than two years ago at the time the visa is applied.
5. Personal documents
A complete set of personal documents is essential for your application:
- Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned period of stay)
- Identification documents (RG, CPF)
- Recent photographs in Australian standard (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Birth certificate (to prove kinship in case of parental sponsorship)
- Criminal record certificate (may be requested depending on the case)
6. Academic documentation
- Diploma or certificate from the last educational level completed
- Complete school/academic record
- Updated curriculum (in English)
- Motivation letter explaining your study objectives
Genuine Student Requirement: Replaces the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) since 2024, requiring proof that your primary objective is to study in the country. You will need to demonstrate that your course choice is aligned with your educational background and career objectives, in addition to proving that you intend to return to Brazil after completing your studies. This can be demonstrated through a well-prepared motivation letter and documents that prove ties with Brazil.
Specific requirements depending on the institution level
Financial requirements vary depending on the level of the educational institution chosen, which can significantly influence your chances of obtaining a visa:
Level 3 Schools Financial proof is mandatory for all Brazilians, due to increased immigration scrutiny. These institutions generally have a less established track record with international students or lower completion rates. The review process tends to be more rigorous and lengthy, with a greater likelihood of requesting additional documents.
Level 1 and 2 Schools Financial proof is not initially mandatory for Brazilians in 2025, but may be requested after reviewing the profile. These institutions have a better reputation and record with international students, which reduces the risk perceived by immigration authorities. Studying at a level 1 or 2 institution may mean a more streamlined process with fewer documentary requirements.
Impact of Brazil's reclassification in 2025
In March 2025, Brazil returned to the classification of a level 2 risk country by Australian immigration, after a brief period as a level 1 country between 2023 and the beginning of 2025. This change has significant implications for Brazilian students who wish to study and work in Australia. The main consequence is that financial proof is required to obtain a visa at level 3 schools, regardless of whether you apply through recognized agencies.
The Australian system classifies countries based on factors such as visa approval rates, course completion, and illegal stay rates. Countries are divided into three risk levels:
Level 1: Low risk (such as Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom) Level 2: Moderate risk (Brazil is currently in this category) Level 3: High risk (countries with high visa refusal rates)
Fees and deadlines
Visa Fee: AUD 1,600 (updated in January 2025), with processing between 16 and 49 days. It is recommended to apply at least two months in advance of the planned start date of the course. In addition to this fee, consider additional costs such as document translation (approximately AUD 50-100 per page) and medical tests when requested (between AUD 300-500).
Essential tips for document preparation
- Organize in advance: Start preparing the documentation at least 3 months before the application
- Official translations: All documents in Portuguese require a certified translation into English
- Consistency in information: Make sure there are no contradictions between different documents
- Clarity and organization: Well-organized documents facilitate review by the immigration officer
- Quality digitization: Scan your documents in high resolution (minimum 300 dpi)
- Digital backups: Keep digital and physical copies of all documents
- Avoid suspicious financial transactions: Recent large deposits without explanation may jeopardize your application
Planning ahead: Organize your financial documents at least 3 months before the application. Avoid large and unexplained bank transactions in the months leading up to the process, as they may raise suspicion. Demonstrate links with Brazil: Immigration officers want to ensure that you will return to Brazil after your studies. Documents such as a current employment contract (even if you're going to resign), family property, business, or family responsibilities can help demonstrate these ties. Compelling motivation letter: Draft a letter detailing your educational objectives, why you chose that specific institution, and how the course aligns with your career plans in Brazil. This letter must be personalized and specific, not generic.
Documents to prove links with Brazil
An important aspect that many students neglect is the proof of ties with Brazil. The Australian authorities want to ensure that you will return after completing your studies. Useful documents include:
- Current employment contract
- Proof of family ownership
- Business or investment documents in Brazil
- Proof of family responsibilities
- Return Commitment Statement
Complete visa application checklist
To make it easier for you to organize, we have prepared a detailed checklist:
Basic documents:
- Valid passport
- Application form completed online via ImmiAccount
- Proof of payment of the visa fee (AUD 1,600)
Educational documents:
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
- Diploma and transcript from the last educational level completed
- Certificate of English proficiency (if applicable)
Financial documents:
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Income Tax Return (from the sponsor)
- Explanatory letter about the origin of the resources (if necessary)
- Proof of kinship with the financial sponsor (if applicable)
Health and insurance:
- Proof of employment from OSHC
- Medical exams (when requested)
Additional documents:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum in English
- Documents proving links with Brazil
- Criminal record certificate (if requested)
Enrollment limits and their impact in 2025
The Australian government has established a national limit of 270,000 new international enrollments for 2025 (National Planning Level), 145,000 of which are allocated to public universities. This measure aims to ensure the quality of education and support services, but may affect the availability of places in popular institutions.
This limitation, implemented for the first time in 2024 and maintained in 2025, represents an additional challenge for Brazilian students. Practical implications include:
Greater competitiveness: The most prestigious institutions can fill their vacancies quickly, requiring early applications More stringent deadlines: Enrollment periods may close earlier than expected once the quotas are reached Diversification of options: Considering less traditional institutions and cities may increase your chances of acceptance
Given these limitations, we recommend:
- Start the application process at least 6-8 months in advance
- Consider less popular start periods (July instead of February)
- Explore institutions in regional cities, with greater availability of vacancies
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for your Australian student visa process, ensuring that all documentation is prepared correctly and maximizing your chances of approval. Our specialized team knows the specific requirements for Brazilians and can guide you through each step of the process.
Contact us now for personalized guidance and make your Australian dream a reality!
