Visitor Visa and Short Courses in Australia — 2 October 2026 Update
Published: 2 October 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | Melbourne
Can You Study on a Visitor Visa in Australia?
Yes — visitor visa holders can study in Australia. The restriction under the 2 October 2026 rules is not about whether a course is classified as "short" or "long." The restriction is about course duration: you can study any course that is 3 months (90 days) or shorter in total duration on a visitor visa.
If you want to study a course longer than 3 months, you must apply for a student visa from offshore (from your home country).
What You Can Study on a Visitor Visa (Up to 3 Months)
- Any CRICOS-registered or non-award course that is 3 months (90 days) or shorter in total enrolled duration
- Recreational and hobby courses — language, art, cooking, fitness
- Professional development short courses
- University pathway units that form part of a shorter non-award program
- Tourism and hospitality taster courses
What Requires a Student Visa (More Than 3 Months)
- Any CRICOS-registered qualification longer than 3 months — including CHC33021, CHC43015, CHC52025, SIT30821, and all Clinton Institute programs
- You cannot apply for a student visa while in Australia on a visitor visa — you must apply from offshore
How to Apply for a Full Qualification from Offshore
- Research your course options — Clinton Institute offers CRICOS-registered courses from 3 months to 18 months
- Apply for a letter of offer from Clinton Institute (RTO 41597 | CRICOS: 03540C) — email admission@clinton.edu.au
- Receive your offer letter and sign the enrolment agreement
- Pay tuition fees as per your offer letter
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Apply for Subclass 500 via ImmiAccount or Australian diplomatic mission in your home country
- Wait for your student visa to be granted — you must remain offshore during this period
- Travel to Australia on your student visa and begin studies
Clinton Institute CRICOS Courses
| Course | CRICOS Code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support | 115261A | 3 months (fast track) |
| SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | 109852F | 6 months |
| CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support | 115262M | 12 months |
| CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services | 115263K | 18 months |
Important Disclaimer: Visa eligibility is determined by the Department of Home Affairs. Clinton Institute staff are not registered migration agents. For personalised visa advice, please consult a registered migration agent (MARA registered).
Ready to apply from offshore?
Email: admission@clinton.edu.au
Last updated: October 2026 | RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C