Individuals applying to study in Australia must satisfy the health requirements specified in the Migration Regulations.

Any family unit members who are included in the visa application are also required to undergo at least the same level of health assessment examinations.

The health of overseas students studying in Australia is of special concern due to the close contact in the classroom environment.

Classroom situations include all levels of schooling and study.

Overseas countries are divided into four risk levels in terms of public health - low, medium, high and very high - according to the incidence rates of tuberculosis, as reported by the World Health Organisation, or as otherwise advised by Australian health authorities.

For more information, including a list of countries in each risk group, please refer to Form 1163i, Health requirement for temporary entry to Australia.

Please note that if you are required to undergo health examinations, whether you are applying in or outside Australia, processing of your student visa application cannot be completed until medical examinations and x-rays results are provided to the visa processing office.

Outside Australia: You will be requested to undertake health examinations once you have met the criteria for the student visa.

In Australia: You should complete health examinations before lodging an application for a student visa.

If you have completed a health examination in the last twelve months you may not need to undertake a fresh examination, if the details, substance and date of the earlier reports can be confirmed to your visa officer by departmental staff.

Nationals of Sweden and Norway, applying for a student visa in Stockholm or in Australia, are not required routinely to undergo formal health examination.

See: Form 1163i, Health requirement for temporary entry to Australia (PDF file)