A complete analysis of the cost of accompanying your child to study in Australia: budget, policy and frequently asked questions

As more and more Chinese students choose to study in Australia, the demand for parents to accompany their children is gradually increasing. However, accompanying your children not only involves visa applications and living arrangements, but also requires a clear understanding of the relevant expenses. This article will start from the perspective of the cost of accompanying your children in Australia, and analyze in detail the budget composition, policy requirements and common problems, to help parents better plan their accompanying life.

The main components of the cost of accompanying students to study in Australia

The expenses for parents to accompany their children to study mainly include visa fees, living expenses, medical insurance fees and education-related expenses. First of all, the application fee for a study visa (Subclass 590) is 620 Australian dollars, which is the most basic expense. Secondly, living expenses are the main expenditure during the period of accompanying the study, including accommodation, food, transportation and daily consumption. According to the requirements of the Australian Immigration Department, accompanying parents need to prove that they have sufficient funds to support their lives, usually about 20,000 to 25,000 Australian dollars per year. In addition, medical insurance is also mandatory, and parents need to purchase Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) covering the entire period of accompanying the study, which costs about 600 to 1,000 Australian dollars per year. Finally, if parents wish to study a language or short-term course locally, they will also need to pay additional tuition fees.

Cost and process of applying for a dependent student visa

The first step in applying for an Australian dependent visa is to pay the visa application fee, which is currently AUD 620. In addition, parents are required to provide proof of funds to prove that they can afford the living expenses during their stay in Australia. The visa application process may also involve medical examination fees, translation fees, and agency service fees (if an agency is selected to assist). The entire process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. It is recommended that parents plan ahead and prepare relevant materials to ensure smooth approval.

How to plan living expenses during the period of accompanying your child to study?

Living expenses are one of the biggest expenses during the period of accompanying your child to study. The cost of living in Australia varies from city to city. The consumption level in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is higher, while cities such as Adelaide and Brisbane are relatively low. Parents can choose to rent a house or host a family, with rent of about 1,500 to 2,500 Australian dollars per month. In terms of food, if you cook by yourself, the monthly expenses are about 300 to 500 Australian dollars; if you eat out, the cost will increase significantly. Transportation costs depend on the public transportation system in the city, usually 100 to 200 Australian dollars per month. In addition, parents also need to consider additional expenses such as daily entertainment, communications and medical care.

Can accompanying parents work?

According to the regulations of the Australian Immigration Department, accompanying parents are not allowed to work while holding a Subclass 590 visa. This means that parents need to rely entirely on their own savings or other financial sources to support their living expenses during their stay in Australia. Therefore, when planning to accompany their children to study, parents need to ensure that they have sufficient financial reserves to cope with possible financial pressures.

Education and learning opportunities during the period of accompanying students

Although the main responsibility of accompanying parents is to take care of their children, Australia also provides some learning opportunities for parents. For example, parents can sign up for language courses or short-term training courses to improve their language skills or vocational skills. The tuition fees for such courses vary depending on the school and the type of course, and are usually between 200 and 500 Australian dollars per week. It should be noted that parents still need to comply with visa regulations during their studies and are not allowed to engage in paid work.

Medical insurance requirements during the period of accompanying students

The Australian government requires all accompanying parents to purchase Overseas Student Health Insurance (OSHC) to cover medical expenses during their stay in Australia. OSHC usually covers basic medical services such as hospitalization, outpatient care and prescription drugs, and costs about AUD 600 to 1,000 per year. Parents can choose an insurance plan that suits them from insurance companies approved by the Australian Immigration Department and provide relevant evidence when applying for a visa.

FAQ

1. How long is the validity period of a dependent student visa?
The validity period of a dependent visa is usually the same as the student's study visa, which can be up to 5 years.

2. Can accompanying parents bring other family members besides their children?
No. The Subclass 590 visa is only available to parents or legal guardians of international students.

3. Can I apply for other types of visas during the period of accompanying my child to study?
Yes, but you will need to meet the application requirements for a new visa and may need to leave the country and reapply.

4. Can accompanying parents extend their visas?
If the student's study visa is extended, the accompanying parents can also apply to extend the visa.

5. Can I change my status to a work visa during the period of accompanying my child to study?
No. Holders of dependent study visas cannot be converted directly to work visas and need to reapply after leaving the country.

In summary, the cost of accompanying your child to study in Australia involves many aspects, including visa fees, living expenses, medical insurance and education expenses. Parents need to fully consider these factors when planning to accompany their child to study and ensure that there is sufficient financial support. If you have more questions about the cost of accompanying your child to study in Australia or other related issues, please scan the QR code below to contact our customer service team, and we will be happy to answer your questions!

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