Bringing Family
As the holder of a student visa, you may wish to bring members of your family with you for the duration of your studies. There are a number of factors that should be considered before making your decision. For more in-depth information, please contact the International Student Centre for a copy of the Happy Landing CD or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, Consulate, High Commission or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Who is eligible
Information on family members who may be eligible to apply for a 'Student Dependent Visa' and accompany the holder of a primary Student Visa can be found on the DIAC website.
Additional costs
There are a number of additional costs to remember when making the decision to bring your family to Australia. Visa application and passport costs, Overseas Student Health Cover (for family members), childcare, accommodation and general living expenses will all increase if you choose to bring your family with you.
Child care
A large variety of childcare options are available for your children in Cairns and Townsville with both campuses offering nearby child care facilities. Please refer to the information page on child care.
School-aged children
If you have school-aged children that are moving to Australia with you, they must attend school while they are here. In Queensland schools, children begin a Prep year in the year they turn 5 years old. The costs start at AUD $8,000 per year for Prep, Primary and Junior Secondary School and AUD $8,800 per year for Senior Secondary School (ages 16 and 17). Visit Dependant Children of Overseas Students for further information.
AusAID and certain Government scholarship holders are exempt from paying international student school tuition fees for their school-aged dependants.
From 1 January 2009, international students studying in Queensland on 574 (postgraduate research) student visas will be eligible for exemption from paying international student school tuition fees for their school-aged dependant children who are enrolled in a Queensland Government state school.
Persons seeking a fee waiver must complete a Fee Waiver Application Form and provide supporting documentation to the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. For more information, and for a copy of the form, visit Dependant Children of Overseas Students.