Bridging Visa Student Enrolment in Queensland Government Schools
- Who is eligible for Bridging Visa Student Enrolment?
- Fast facts about Bridging Visa Student Enrolments
- Program Fees
- Accommodation
- How to apply for Bridging Visa Student Enrolment
A bridging visa is a temporary visa granted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) when an applicant has applied for a new visa but the new visa has not yet been granted and the previous visa has expired. This process can take several months to a number of years to finalise, depending on individual circumstances.
Who is eligible for Bridging Visa Student Enrolment?
Families with school-aged children who are applying for a new visa while in Australia are permitted to attend Queensland Government Schools and should submit an application for each school-aged child. Within Queensland, compulsory school age is defined as a child aged 6 years 6 months and less than 16 years of age or completion of Year 10, whichever is sooner. (Please refer to the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006.)
Fast facts about Bridging Visa Student Enrolments
- EQI will determine the fees payable under a bridging visa by referring to the previous substantive visa category and the fees that were payable for that visa.
- The EQI fee exemption criteria does not apply to bridging visa holders. ie: For bridging visa holders who were previously on a 574 visa subclass, scholarship holder, AusAID or any other fee exempt category, the general dependant tuition fees will apply.
- Any pre-paid tuition fees are refundable to the family from the date that permanent residence is granted by DIAC.
Program Fees
Where fees are applicable, fees will continue to be charged on a term by term basis for the duration of each bridging visa, until the date that the new visa is granted.
When EQI receives evidence that DIAC has issued a new visa, EQI will reassess whether or not fees apply to the new visa. Any outstanding fees incurred prior to new visa grant will still require finalisation.
EQI will refund paid tuition fees when a non-fee paying or permanent resident visa is granted. This will apply from the date of approval. A copy of the approval letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) must be produced as evidence.
Fee Schedule 2011-12
Please find below an indication of tuition fee costs for the differing programs.
Program |
Fee 2011 (AUD $) |
Fee 2012 |
Period |
Primary (Years Preparatory -7) |
$8,400 |
$8,720 |
1 academic year (12 months) |
|
$6,300 |
$6,540 |
3 terms (9 months) |
|
$4,200 |
$4,360 |
1 semester (6 months) |
|
$2,100 |
$2,180 |
1 term (3 months) |
Junior Secondary (Years 8 – 10) |
$8,620 |
$8,940 |
1 academic year (12 months) |
|
$6,465 |
$6,705 |
3 terms (9 months) |
|
$4,310 |
$4,470 |
1 semester (6 months) |
|
$2,155 |
$2,235 |
1 term (3 months) |
Senior Secondary (Years 11 – 12) |
$9,740 |
$10,120 |
1 academic year (12 months) |
|
$7,305 |
$7,590 |
3 terms (9 months) |
|
$4,870 |
$5,060 |
1 semester (6 months) |
|
$2,435 |
$2,530 |
1 term (3 months) |
Tourist Visa Students |
|||
Primary |
$262.50 |
$262.50 |
1 week (each school term is approximately 10 weeks) |
Junior Secondary (Years 8 – 10) |
$287.50 |
$287.50 |
1 week (each school term is approximately 10 weeks) |
Senior Secondary (Years 11 – 12) |
$325.00 |
$325.00 |
1 week (each school term is approximately 10 weeks) |
2012 Fees have increased by the 2010-11 CPI percentage.
NOTE:
- A $110 non-refundable application fee (inclusive of GST) applies to all applications (except approved AusAid applicants).
- An application fee of $110 (including GST) is payable if there is a change of school request.
- An additional school unconfirmed fee of $100 is payable on applications which do not provide a School Acceptance Letter or a Principal signature on this form. This fee will be refunded if EQI is advised in writing of the school, within 2 weeks of commencement of student at the school.
- Fees (if applicable) are charged on a term by term basis, as a decision in relation to the new visa could be made at any time.
- Tuition fees must be paid prior to the commencement of each new school term.
- Program fees for 2013 and beyond are subject to change.
- Families of bridging visa students are required to pay for the following school costs in addition to the tuition fees paid:
Text Book Hire or Purchase |
Student Organiser (if compulsory item) |
Compulsory Subject Levies |
Library Books and Resources |
Stationery Requirements |
School Uniform |
Musical Instruments (if this is a compulsory subject) |
School Camps (if attendance is compulsory) |
Student Identification Card |
Compulsory and Extra Curriculum Excursions |
Special Events (e.g. School Formal, Graduation, etc) |
Yearbook (if applicable) |
All non-compulsory school costs (optional) |
|
ESL Support
- Access to in school or in class support by ESL staff is determined by the Regional Education Office responsible for each school by location.
Accommodation
All bridging visa students must reside with and be under the care of a parent/legal guardian.
How to apply for Bridging Visa Student Enrolment
Forms for Dependant Students
- Bridging Visa Student Application Form (2012 Version)
A Bridging Visa Student Application Form should be completed for each school-aged child and submitted to EQI. Parents must read and agree to the Bridging Visa Student Application Terms and Conditions.
Upon confirmation of the Bridging Visa Student Enrolment, payment must be made immediately to EQI. EQI will issue a receipt for payment and send a letter of approval to the school.
Students on Bridging Visas are not permitted to attend school until the EQI enrolment process has been completed and fees paid.
It is the parent's responsibility to directly contact the School Principal of the Queensland Government School nominated and complete the school enrolment process once permission has been approved by EQI.
Contact EQI about a Bridging Visa Student Enrolment.
Last updated 09 December 2011
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