How to Prepare for an Australian Student Visa Interview

Thousands of Nigerians aim to study in Australia every year and that is no surprise as the schools in Australia are known to be of thorough standards. However, before you can get a student visa to pursue your dreams, you have to satisfy certain conditions. Filling and submitting the student visa application form comes first, and the Australian Student Visa Interview comes next. This interview is an essential part of the Student visa processing and could be held face-to-face or over the phone. Knowing what to expect during the interview will increase your chances of getting a visa.

If you are planning to undertake a fulltime course in Australia, you would be required to pass the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) conditions during your interview. These conditions are to show that you are not just looking for a visa for the purpose of moving to Australia but that you are genuinely going to study.

Some of the requirements the GTE demands are the reason you chose to study in Australia and not in Nigeria, how you would live based on your current financial situation in Australia, your immigration history and any other documents that the immigration officer might need. The GTE requirement is just a step, there are other things to be done in preparation for the interview.

• Ensure that you have all the required documents.

If you do not know the required documents for Australia Visa, read this.

• If your interview is face-to-face, go early to the interview center and dress smartly. Remember that first impression matters a lot.
• It is important that you are fluent in the English Language. Your interviewer would communicate in English and understanding each other would make it easier.
• You would have less than 10 minutes to speak with your interviewer so make your answers brief but detailed.
• Attending an interview with your family or friends is a great turn-off so go alone.
• Be confident and answer questions smartly, if you feel that you would be jittery, you can arrange mock interviews to help you be more confident.
• Do not forget to talk about your family in Nigeria, responsibilities, properties etc. This would further prove that you are responsible and you would be in Australia temporarily.
• Reinforce continuously that you would return to Nigeria after graduating from your studies. This is very important.
• It is not enough to physically prepare, mental preparation and a positive attitude are necessary.
• Prepare an explanation for possible questions that the interviewer could ask.

Common Australian Student Interview Questions.

The immigration officer's objective is to find out if you are a genuine student and if you have the means to sponsor your study in Australia. The following questions are commonly asked in order to achieve that objective:

• Why have you chosen to study in Australia?

When asked this question, focus your answer on the standard of education, the economy of Australia, weather, friendliness of the people and even their culture.

• Why did you choose the Australian University/course?

All you know about the Australian University you chose should come in at this point. This means that you should have previously done your researches. You can also talk about your dreams and how your choice of course aids it.

• How will fund your studies?

Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor's affidavit and any other financial means can be shown as proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your course.

• What would you do after the completion of your studies?

In whatever answer you give, ensure that it is clear that you do not intend to stay in Australia after your studies. Give the interviewer every reason to believe that you are loyal to Nigeria and would return as soon as you are done with your studies.

• What would happen if your visa is refused?

Do not appear like without the visa, your world would end. If you are asked this question, stay calm, smile and tell the interviewer that even though you would love to further your studies in Australia, if your visa is refused, you would just try again the following year.

Proper preparation prevents poor performance, so be prepared and do not forget your interview date.

Australian Embassy in Nigeria

For information about the Embassy of Australia in Nigeria, click here

Need more help with your Australian Student Visa Interview? Check this out!

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