Visa & Health Insurance
Confused about the requirements of studying in a country? We've got your visa and health insurance needs covered.
Select a country to begin
Applying for a visa in Australia
Steps to Apply
- Receive your eCOE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Apply for your visa online
- Book and attend your biometrics appointment
- Wait for visa approval
- Fly to your study destination ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: AUD 2,000 (Student Visa – Subclass 500)
- Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), approx. AUD 500–650 per year (for a single student, varies by provider)
- Extra Costs: Medical examination
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Stay back to work in Australia after completing your studies.
- Duration: 2–6 years, depending on your qualification and location of study.
- Requirement: Must complete a CRICOS-registered course lasting at least 2 academic years (92 weeks).
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official Australian Government website: Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Department of Home Affairs
Applying for a visa in New Zealand
Steps to Apply
- Receive your Offer of Place from a New Zealand education provider
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Apply for your Student Visa online through Immigration New Zealand
- Book your biometrics appointment
- Complete medical exam and/or chest X-ray
- Wait for visa approval
- Fly to your study destination ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: NZD 850 (online application)
- Health Insurance: Private medical insurance required, approx. NZD 500–700 per year
- Extra Costs: Medical exam and/or chest X-ray
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Post Study Work Visa (Open)
Stay back to work in New Zealand after completing your studies.
Stay back to work in New Zealand after completing your studies.
- Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and location of study
- Requirement: Must complete a qualification at Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) or above, or certain Level 4–6 diplomas that are on the eligible list
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official New Zealand Government website: Student Visa – Immigration New Zealand
Applying for a visa in the United Kingdom
Steps to Apply
- Receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Apply for your Student Visa online
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Book your biometrics appointment
- Attend your biometrics appointment
- Wait for visa approval
- Fly to your study destination ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: GBP 524 (Student Visa)
- Health Insurance: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) GBP 776 per year
- Extra Costs: TB test
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Graduate Route Visa
Stay back to work in the UK after completing your studies.
Stay back to work in the UK after completing your studies.
- Duration: 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates); 3 years (PhD graduates)
- Requirement: Must complete a full-time degree in the UK with a licensed Student Sponsor
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official UK Government website: UK Student Visa - GOV.UK
Applying for a visa in Ireland
Steps to Apply
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance from an Irish institution
- Check if you need a visa before traveling:
- Visa-required nationals → Apply for a Student Visa (D Visa) online before departure
- Non-visa-required nationals → You can travel to Ireland without a visa, but you must present your documents at border control (Malaysia is a non-visa-required country)
- Prepare your supporting documents (Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, health insurance, passport, etc.)
- Book travel and fly to Ireland ✈️
- Present your documents at border control on arrival
- Register with the Irish Immigration Service (GNIB/IRP card) within 90 days of arrival
- Receive your immigration permission to study
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: EUR 60 (single entry) / EUR 100 (multi-entry)
- Health Insurance: Private medical insurance required, approx. EUR 500–800 per year
- Extra Costs: GNIB card (EUR 300, payable in Ireland after arrival)
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Third Level Graduate Programme
Stay back to work in Ireland after completing your studies.
Stay back to work in Ireland after completing your studies.
- Duration: 12 months (Bachelor’s graduates), 24 months (Master’s/PhD graduates)
- Requirement: Must graduate from a recognised Irish awarding body at NFQ Level 8 or above.
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official Irish Government website: Study Visa – Irish Immigration Service
Applying for a visa in the United States
Steps to Apply
- Receive your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) from your U.S. institution
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Complete the DS-160 online application form
- Pay the visa application fee
- Book and attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
- Wait for visa approval and receive your F-1 Visa
- Fly to your study destination ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: USD 185 (F-1 Visa application fee)
- Other Fees: SEVIS Fee – USD 350
- Health Insurance: Private health insurance required; typically arranged through the university (approx. USD 1,500–2,500 per year)
- Extra Costs: Medical check-up may be requested by the university, not usually part of the visa process
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Stay back to work in the U.S. after completing your studies.
Stay back to work in the U.S. after completing your studies.
- Duration: 12 months (with possible 24-month STEM extension)
- Requirement: Must complete a full-time program at an accredited U.S. institution. Work must be directly related to your field of study.
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official U.S. Government website: U.S. Student Visa - travel.state.gov
Applying for a visa in Canada
Steps to Apply
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Prepare your supporting documents
- Apply for your Study Permit online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Pay the visa fee and biometrics fee
- Book and attend your biometrics appointment
- Complete a medical exam
- Wait for Study Permit approval
- Fly to your study destination ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: CAD 150 (Study Permit)
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85
- Health Insurance: Provincial or private coverage, approx. CAD 600–900 per year (varies by province)
- Extra Costs: Medical exam
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Stay back to work in Canada after completing your studies.
Stay back to work in Canada after completing your studies.
- Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on the length of your program
- Requirement: Must complete a program of at least 8 months at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Programs shorter than 8 months do not qualify.
💡 Tip for Students: Many countries only grant post-study visas if you complete a full-time, on-campus program of sufficient length. Short courses, language programs, or online degrees usually do not qualify.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official Government of Canada website: Study Permit – Government of Canada
Applying for a visa in Singapore
Steps to Apply
- Receive your Offer Letter from a Singapore education institution
- The institution applies for your Student’s Pass through SOLAR (Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration) system
- Receive your SOLAR application reference number
- Log in to SOLAR to complete your online application
- Pay the processing fee (SGD 30)
- Book and attend a medical check-up
- Upon approval, pay the issuance fee (SGD 60)
- Collect your Student’s Pass in Singapore ✈️
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Fee: SGD 30 (processing fee) + SGD 60 (issuance fee)
- Health Insurance: Many institutions provide group health insurance; if not, private insurance is recommended (approx. SGD 300–600 per year)
- Extra Costs: Medical check-up
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
Work Pass / Employment Pass (no automatic graduate visa in Singapore)
- Students may stay back only if they secure a job offer from a Singapore employer.
- Employer must apply for the relevant work visa on your behalf.
💡 Tip for Students: Unlike some other countries, Singapore does not have a dedicated post-study work visa. If you want to remain after graduation, securing a job early is key.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official Singapore Government website: Student’s Pass – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
Applying for a visa in Malaysia
Steps to Apply
- Receive your Offer Letter from a Malaysian education institution
- The institution applies for your Visa Approval Letter (VAL) through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services)
- Prepare and submit your documents to EMGS (passport copy, medical check-up, photos, etc.)
- Pay the visa processing and insurance fees
- Receive your VAL approval
- Apply for a Single-Entry Visa at the Malaysian embassy (if required, depends on nationality)
- Travel to Malaysia ✈️
- Complete a medical screening in Malaysia within 7 days of arrival
- Submit passport for Student Pass endorsement (visa sticker in passport)
💰 Student Visa & Health Insurance Costs (Approximate, 2025)
- Visa Processing Fee: Around MYR 2,000 (varies by institution and EMGS processing)
- Health Insurance: Compulsory student medical insurance, approx. MYR 500–800 per year
- Extra Costs: Medical screening in Malaysia, approx. MYR 250–300
🎓 Post-Study Visa Option
- Malaysia does not currently offer a structured post-study work visa.
- Graduates must secure a job first; the employer then applies for an Employment Pass.
💡 Tip for Students: Ensure your passport has at least 18 months’ validity before applying for a Malaysian Student Pass to avoid delays.
📌 For the most up-to-date information on student visas, please refer to the official Malaysian Government website: Student Pass – Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should I apply for my student visa?
We recommend starting your visa application as soon as you receive your offer and confirmation documents. Most countries open visa applications 3–6 months before your course start date. Since processing times can vary and are sometimes unpredictable, it’s best to submit your application as soon as you can.
2. What happens if my student visa is rejected?
If your visa is refused, the embassy will state the reasons. Our counsellors can review your case, advise on next steps, and assist with a re-application if possible.
3. Do I need health insurance to study abroad?
Yes. Most countries (e.g., UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) require students to have valid health insurance as part of the visa application. Even if not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to protect yourself against high medical costs.
4. What type of health insurance do I need?
- Australia → Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- UK → Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), paid with your visa application
- USA → University-approved private health insurance plan
- Ireland & New Zealand → Private medical insurance required before arrival
- Malaysia & Singapore → Some institutions provide group health insurance; private coverage is recommended if not included
5. How long does it take to get a student visa?
Processing times vary. Some students receive their visa in as little as 3 working days, while for others it may take up to 3 months. To avoid delays in traveling abroad, we strongly encourage students to apply for their student visa as early as possible.
6. Can I work while studying abroad?
Yes, in most destinations:
- UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland → Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- USA → On-campus jobs only (other work options need special permission)
- Malaysia & Singapore → Generally limited or restricted; depends on course and institution
7. Do I need to take a medical check-up for my visa?
Some countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Malaysia) require a medical examination and/or TB test before or after arrival. Our counsellors will advise you based on your chosen destination.
8. Can JM Education help me with visa applications?
Absolutely ✅. Our team guides you through:
- Preparing the right documents
- Meeting deadlines
- Completing applications correctly
- Booking medicals & biometrics
- Choosing the right health insurance
Leverage our experience and realise your dreams.
Contact Us
JM Education Group (JM) was established as a centre which provides counselling on options to school-leavers and young adults seeking advice on further education and training.
Your Overseas Study Specialist. This is the distinguishing feature which differentiates us right from the beginning.
