Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Australia

We know studying in Australia raises a lot of questions: visa, costs, choosing an institution, the application process… Here we’ve gathered the questions we hear most from Latin American students who are evaluating this step.

Rather than just answering isolated questions, our goal is for you to have a clear plan of what you’ll do once you arrive in Australia — not just how to get the visa, but where your process is headed.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, message us on WhatsApp or book a Personalised Quote and we’ll work it out together.

Working with Link DownUnder

What exactly does Link DownUnder do?

We’re an education consultancy that guides Latin American students, mainly Colombian, through the full process of studying in Australia: choosing an institution and course, the application, the student visa, and where needed, follow-on processes like the Bridging Visa. We are not the education provider or the Australian government — we’re your guide through both.

Do I need to speak English to get started?

No. We can guide you in Spanish from the very first contact. If your English level doesn’t yet meet your course requirement, we help you identify the right English course (ELICOS) as a first step.

How long does the whole process take, from first contact to arriving in Australia?

It depends on your course and personal situation (documents, funds, English level), but we generally recommend starting the process at least 4 to 6 months before your intended course start date, to leave enough time for a strong application.

How do I start working with Link DownUnder?

The first step is a Personalised Quote (Cotización Personalizada), where we review your specific situation — course of interest, budget, English level — and give you a real cost breakdown and options before moving into the planning phase.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

How much does the Australian student visa cost in 2026?

As of 1 July 2026, the student visa (subclass 500) application charge is AUD $2,500 for most applicants, paid directly to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. This does not include tuition, health cover (OSHC), or living costs — we help you calculate the full real budget.

read thefull article →

What is the subclass 500 visa and who is it for?

It’s Australia’s main student visa. It lets you live in Australia while studying full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, for the length of your course (up to 6 years), with limited work rights during term time.

read thefull article →

How much money do I need to show for the visa?

For 2026, you need to show access to at least AUD $29,710 to cover 12 months of living costs, on top of your first year of tuition and a return airfare. We calculate the exact figures for your profile in the Personalised Quote.

What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) or Genuine Student requirement?

It’s a statement explaining why you want to study this specific course in Australia and what your plans are afterwards. The government uses it to check that your real intention is to study, not to use the visa as a migration shortcut. We help you write it honestly and convincingly.

Can I work while studying on a subclass 500 visa?

Generally yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, with no limit during official breaks. Research master’s and doctoral students have no hour limit.

Costs of Studying in Australia

How much does studying in Australia cost overall in the first year?

Total cost varies a lot by city, institution, and course type, but generally includes: first-year tuition, the visa fee (AUD $2,500), OSHC health cover, and living costs. In the Personalised Quote we give you a real breakdown based on your case, not a generic estimate.

What is OSHC and is it mandatory?

Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory health insurance for all international students for the duration of their visa. Cost varies by provider and whether it’s single or family cover.

Are there scholarships or discounts for Colombian students?

Some institutions offer partial scholarships or early-payment discounts depending on the course and student profile. As registered education agents with several institutions, we identify these opportunities as part of the Academic Roadmap Plan.

Is Link DownUnder’s fee added on top of my tuition?

As registered education agents, the institution pays us a commission for enrolling the student and helping you with the visa paperwork — that payment costs you nothing. Beyond that, our advisory services (Personalised Quote, Academic Roadmap Plan, 1:1 Application) do have a fixed, transparent cost, because they’re separate, additional support. There are also other payments that don’t go through Link DownUnder or the institution, but directly to third parties: the visa fee is paid directly to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, and OSHC health cover is paid directly to the insurer you choose.

CRICOS and Choosing an Institution

What is CRICOS and why does it matter so much?

CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is the official Australian government register of institutions and courses authorised to take international students. If a course isn’t on CRICOS, you cannot use it to apply for a student visa — we always verify this before recommending any course.

How do I choose the right institution and course?

It depends on your goal: a faster path into work, a full university degree, or improving your English first. In the Academic Roadmap Plan we assess your profile, budget, and goals to recommend real options, not just the most well-known ones.

What’s the difference between TAFE/VET, university, and an English course (ELICOS)?

ELICOS is an intensive English course. VET (Cert/Diploma) are technical and vocational programs, generally shorter and cheaper, with a faster path into the job market. University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Many students combine several (course packaging) as a strategy.

Can I change course or institution after arriving in Australia?

In many cases yes, though the process and implications for your visa depend on your specific situation. If you’re already in Australia and need to assess a change, contact us before making any decision.

Bridging Visa B

What is a Bridging Visa B and when do I need it?

It’s a bridging visa that lets you leave and re-enter Australia while your new student (or other) visa is being processed, without losing your legal migration status in the country. You need it if your current visa is about to expire and you want to travel during that transition period.

Does the Bridging Visa B let me keep studying and working?

It generally keeps the same conditions as your previous substantive visa while the new one is processed, but this depends on the specific conditions granted in your case. We review this with you before applying.

How much does the Bridging Visa B service cost with Link DownUnder?

It’s a specific advisory service with a fixed price of AUD $120, which covers the administrative cost of our support through the full application. This is separate from the Bridging Visa B application fee itself, which is paid directly to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.

Why Work with an Education Agent?

What’s the difference between applying directly with a university and using an education agent?

A registered education agent costs you nothing extra compared to applying directly — institutions pay us a commission for representing you, not the other way around. In fact, most institutions and universities don’t accept direct applications from international students, only from Australian students; for international students, the usual pathway is through a registered education agent. The difference is that we know the full process, help you avoid common application and visa mistakes, and support you in Spanish the whole way.

Is Link DownUnder affiliated or certified with Australian institutions?

Yes, we work as education agents with institutions registered in Australia, which allows us to formally represent you in the application process.

If my visa gets rejected, will Link DownUnder refund me?

The visa fee paid to the Australian government is non-refundable whether the visa is approved or rejected — this is set by the government, not by us. Our job is precisely to reduce the risk of rejection as much as possible by preparing a strong, honest, well-documented application from the start.

Does Carolina actually live in Australia?

Yes, Carolina has lived in Australia for over 17 years and founded Link DownUnder with her partner based on that first-hand experience — this isn’t remote advice based only on theory, but on having lived the migration and academic process herself.

Ready to start your process?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE COUNTRY

Link DownUnder acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of Australia.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Australia.