Sister School Partnerships

Types of overseas arrangements

Key features of different visits or exchange programs

In addition to visits under sister school partnerships, overseas students visit Victorian schools through other types of programs, including short term study programs, secondary student exchange programs and the International Student Program. The differences between these types of visits are outlined below.

Sister school partnerships

• Definition: Reciprocal visits negotiated between sister schools where visits include a school experience combined with a cultural tour
• Visa category: Visitors visa
• Cost/tuition fee arrangements: Cost negotiated between sister schools on a cost recovery basis
• Further information: School to school arrangement, visiting students are not required to be enrolled on CASES21

Short term study tour programs

• Definition: Non-reciprocal program where students undertake a mix of structured classroom learning, interaction with local students and excursions
• Visa category: Visitors visa
• Cost/tuition fee arrangements: Fee structure is set out in Ministerial Order 819
• Further information: Overseas students need to apply to the Department through accredited study tour operators. Visiting students are not required to be enrolled on CASES21. For more information, refer to Study Tours.

International Student Program

• Definition: Non-reciprocal program where international students are enrolled at Victorian schools to undertake full-time study as an international student for a single term through to number of years. Student categories include standard students (who study for greater than 12 months), study abroad students (who study for 1 to 4 terms), dependent students (who are children of parents studying at university) or temporary students (who study for 8 to 12 weeks)
• Visa category: Various visa categories, however, most students hold a subclass 500 Student – Schools visa
• Cost/tuition fee arrangements: Fees are set out in Ministerial Order 819
• Further information: International students are required to apply through the Department. For more information, refer to International Student Program

Student exchange

• Definition: Reciprocal program where an overseas student is enrolled in a school and undertakes full time study
• Visa category: subclass 500 Student – Schools visa for exchanges longer than 29 days and up to 12 months
• Cost/tuition fee arrangements: Reciprocal program – no tuition fees
• Further information: Schools must operate student exchanges within the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority's requirements for registration as an exchange organisation, refer to Student Exchange Programs