Required Documents for International Student Applications in Australia

Sunday 4 May 2025
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This article outlines the essential documents needed for international students applying to various Australian education programs, including ELICOS, schools, vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees. It emphasizes official English translations and provides detailed checklists for each study level.

1. ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (education history, activities, and any gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Previous academic transcripts (if any)

  • English test result (if required for placement)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor support)


2. Primary and Secondary School (Year 1–12)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (basic profile including school history and any gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Birth certificate

  • All past school reports from Kindergarten to most recent year (at least last 3 years initially)

  • Transfer certificate or school leaving letter

  • Immunisation record

  • Parent’s passport and ID

  • Financial documents


3. Foundation Studies

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (with education history and any gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Year 11 and/or Year 12 transcripts and certificates

  • English test result (IELTS, PTE, etc.)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Financial documents


4. Non-AQF Courses (e.g. Short courses, bridging, enabling programs)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (highlighting all education and any gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Most recent academic results

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Work experience evidence (if course requires)

  • Financial documents


5. VET / TAFE (Vocational Education & Training)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (with education, work experience, training, and gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Year 10, 11, or 12 certificates

  • English test result

  • Work experience documents (if applicable)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Financial documents


6. Aviation Courses

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (including education, work, activities, and gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Year 12 certificate (with maths and physics if available)

  • English test result

  • Aviation medical clearance (if applicable)

  • Statement of Purpose (with career intent)

  • Financial documents


7. Undergraduate (Bachelor Degree)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (showing academic progression, gaps, and work history)

  • Passport bio page

  • Year 12 results or Foundation Studies transcript

  • English test result

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Financial documents

  • Work experience (if applying for recognition or with study gaps)


8. Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma / Master by Coursework)

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (mandatory – include study, work, and any gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Bachelor’s degree transcripts and certificate

  • English test result

  • Work experience letters (if required)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Financial documents


9. PhD / Doctoral by Research

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English (preferably NAATI-certified or by a recognised authority).

Required Documents:

  • Resume (academic CV with full education, research, publications, and gaps)

  • Passport bio page

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts

  • English test result

  • Work experience documents (if applicable)

  • Research proposal (clearly structured and aligned with intended field)

  • Statement of Purpose or Statement of Research Intent

  • Supervisor confirmation or expression of interest from institution (if applicable)

  • Financial documents