Study Options for Visa Holders (Non-CRICOS Providers)
Many visa holders in Australia can legally study with non-CRICOS registered organisations, depending on their visa conditions. This includes short courses, private training, hobby courses, and selected RTO programs. However, study rights vary from visa to visa, so it is important to verify eligibility before enrolment.
Important: VEVO Check Before Enrolment
As a best practice, all applicants should provide a VEVO check prior to enrolment. This helps confirm:
- Any study limitations attached to the visa
- Whether the applicant is the primary visa holder or a dependent
- Specific conditions that may affect course eligibility
Since visa conditions differ, this step ensures compliance and avoids issues later.
Visa Types That Can Study with Non-CRICOS Providers
1. Permanent Residency (PR) Visa Holders
Examples:
- Skilled visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491 after PR)
- Partner visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)
- Employer-sponsored PR
Study Rights:
- Full and unrestricted
- Can study with any provider (CRICOS or non-CRICOS)
Key Note:
PR holders are treated as domestic students and are not subject to ESOS/CRICOS regulations.
2. Temporary Visas with Full Study Rights
Examples:
- Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)
- Partner (temporary) visas (Subclass 820 / 309)
- Some Bridging visas
- Certain skilled visas (e.g. 482, depending on conditions)
Study Rights:
- Generally unrestricted (conditions must be checked)
- Can enrol in non-CRICOS courses
Key Note:
These visa holders are not governed by student visa rules, so CRICOS is not mandatory.
3. Working Holiday Visas
Examples:
- Subclass 417
- Subclass 462
Study Rights:
- Can study non-CRICOS courses
- Maximum of 4 months study per visa
Additional Note:
Online or overseas-based courses may not count toward this limit, depending on how they are delivered.
4. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Study Rights:
- Can study non-CRICOS courses
- Maximum of 3 months study
Common Uses:
- Short courses
- English language programs
- Hobby or professional development courses
5. Bridging Visas
Study Rights:
- Vary depending on visa conditions
- Some allow study
- Some limit study (e.g. up to 3 months)
- Some do not allow study at all
Important:
Always confirm conditions through a VEVO check.
6. Other Temporary Visas (Case-by-Case)
Examples:
- Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482, 494)
- Dependent visas (e.g. spouse of a worker or student)
Study Rights:
- Often flexible or unrestricted
- Usually permitted to study non-CRICOS courses unless restricted
Visa That Does NOT Allow Non-CRICOS Study
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Study Rights:
- Must enrol in a CRICOS-registered course
- Cannot study with non-CRICOS providers (with very limited exceptions)
Legal Requirement:
This is strictly enforced under ESOS legislation.
Key Takeaways
- The CRICOS requirement applies only to Student Visa (Subclass 500) holders
- Most other visa holders can study with non-CRICOS providers
- Study can often be part-time or full-time, depending on conditions
- Always verify visa conditions before enrolment
Important Considerations
Even when non-CRICOS study is allowed, it usually does not count toward:
- Australian Study Requirement (for Subclass 485 visa)
- Skilled migration points
- Migration pathway qualifications
Quick Summary Table
Visa Type
- Student Visa (500)
- Permanent Residency
- Temporary Graduate (485)
- Partner Visas
- Working Holiday
- Visitor Visa
- Bridging Visa
Non-CRICOS Study
- No
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Depends
Notes
- Must be CRICOS
- No restrictions
- Full rights
- Full rights
- Max 4 months
- Max 3 months
- Check conditions