Why Australian student visa applications get rejected: A guide for fitness education applicants

australian student visa approval

Australia is known for its first-class and globally recognised education system, enabling graduates to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Combined with its booming fitness industry, which has grown about 4% per year from 2017 to 2022, complete with modern equipment and facilities as well as robust networking opportunities to leverage, this country makes for an ideal place for aspiring fitness professionals to pursue their fitness education. 

However, citizens of certain countries will require visas to enter Australia to study, and Malaysians fall into this category. The process can be daunting and nerve-wrecking , and a lack of preparation or research can lead to a visa rejection. 

Why are Australian visas so important?

To examine just how significant an Australian visa, be it for study or work, is for Malaysians, let’s first look at what having one can entail. 

For students, an Australian student visa gives them access to prestigious universities and institutions that provide various fitness programs to meet different needs. For example, students more interested in coaching and sports development can take a sports diploma, whereas someone more inclined towards personal training can get certified as a trainer. These institutions often have distinguished faculties and can provide a dynamic learning environment.  Students with visas can stay in Australia for up to five years. 

For graduates who want to work in Australia, Australian visas allow individuals to join the growing fitness industry, meeting the demands for fitness professionals as a coach, personal trainers, and researchers, among many others. They will have the opportunity to grow their network among fellow fitness professionals and their clients and be up to date with the latest developments in the industry through the countless events and seminars they can participate in. Malaysians, in particular, can apply for a working holiday or skill shortage work visa. 

Common reasons for visa rejections

australia student visa

With reports stating that over 50% of visa applications in Australia were rejected in 2022 alone, the application process can seem daunting. Thus, it is important to understand the reasons behind these rejections. 

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation: Any visa application in Australia needs many supporting documents, and applicants often do not include enough information. This is the main reason why visa requests are turned down. Each visa application needs a different set of documents to back it up. For example, if you want an Australian student visa, you must provide a letter of offer for your fitness education program and proof of other necessary academic qualifications. People who don’t attach the required documents or forget to do so often have their visas rejected. 

Insufficient financial proof: When someone wants an Australian student visa, the Department of Home Affairs must know they have enough money to support themselves. For some visas, you need to have a certain amount of money or income, which can be proven through documents such as bank statements indicating the amount of savings the applicants have. The visa application could be turned down if applicants fail to meet this requirement. For example, as a student, you will have to prove that you have enough funds to cover the following expenses: 

  • Your travel in and out of the country
  • 12 months of course expenses, prorated for shorter fitness education programmes
  • 12 months of living expenses, prorated for shorter stays
  • Any school expenses for accompanying dependent children

Health requirement guidelines: One of the most important parts of getting an Australian student visa is meeting the health requirements. Unfortunately, these requirements may result in visa rejections, as   HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, cancer, major heart problems, and mental illnesses are some medical conditions that can cause your visa to be rejected. Depending on the visa being filed for, the applicant’s family members may also have to meet the health requirements, even if they are not moving to Australia. A health waiver can be given in some special situations, which can be granted by consulting an immigration lawyer. 

australian student visa approval

Tips for a successful visa application

To ensure that you have a seamless visa application process to study fitness in Australia, here are some guidelines you can follow: 

  • Ensure you have all the papers you need to support your visa application, such as financial proof, university admissions letter, qualifications, police clearances, etc. 
  • Check and recheck your visa application to ensure you answered all the questions properly. Check for mistakes. Even small ones, like a wrong visa number or date of birth, can cause you to be turned away at the border.
  • Ensure you have enough money for the first few months in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs recommends AUD 5,000 as enough money for your stay in Australia and/or to buy a ticket to leave Australia. You must show proof of this when you apply for your visa.
  • Don’t be late with your health check before you apply for a visa. Getting this insurance as soon as possible is best so you don’t have to rush or wait for your application to be processed.

In a nutshell

For Malaysians, going to Australia to build your fitness career or obtain a fitness education can be exciting. But to get an Australian student visa, you must plan carefully and pay close attention to every detail to minimise the chances of getting your application rejected. By understanding the significance of Australian visas and some of the common roadblocks to getting one and making sufficient preparations, people who want to study fitness education or work in the fitness industry in Australia can set themselves up for a smooth and rewarding time there.

A personal trainer’s guide to finding the right fitness program in Australia

fitness programme australia

Your fitness journey is as unique as you are; each individual aims for different outcomes and has various commitments to be mindful of, which is why fitness is a highly personal journey. There are a myriad of factors you have to assess in order to find the right fitness course to achieve your goals without sacrificing the fun and enjoyment of exercising to maintain a long-term habit. It is essential to put the time and effort into finding the right fitness programmes in Australia to figure out where you should start, especially as a beginner.

fitness programme australia

Assess your fitness level and goals

The first and most important step to consider before starting any fitness course is to assess your fitness level. You will need to be honest with yourself about your skill level and ability before you comb through the internet for gym class options. Depending on your ability, whether that is a fitness amateur or a gym buff, you can determine the most appropriate class for your fitness level. Fitness programmes made for beginners are often equipped with generous advice, assistance and guidance to be especially helpful and accommodating to newcomers. 

Other than that, your fitness goals will also help you narrow down the right fitness courses for your specific needs. As you decide whether you are aiming for weight loss, muscle gain or an overall body workout, you may find that your overall fitness can also be categorised into:

  • Cardiovascular health, which includes exercises like swimming, jogging, and aerobics that promote heart health and weight loss;
  • Muscle building and strength training, which helps to build muscle mass and increase metabolism, and;
  • Balance and flexibility, including the likes of yoga and pilates, which boost your body’s movements.

From this analysis, you will start to develop an idea of what classes to sign up for that would help you achieve your end goals. 

Consider the time and cost commitments

After assessing your fitness level, you should also assess the time and money you will need to invest in your fitness journey. If you are considering joining a class, you should keep in mind the timing and schedule of the classes and whether you can fit it into your daily routine. Realistically, as regular working adults, you may be constrained to an inflexible 9-to-5, so be sure to do your research. On top of that, some classes can be more physically demanding than others, so make sure to allocate enough rest time to mitigate any injuries or burnout to increase your chances of committing to the routine.

Other than time constraints, you may also be tied to a strict budget. This is where research is most crucial, and patience is most needed. Spend as much time as you need to look up different memberships and training programmes in various gyms. While it may be tempting to sign up for long-term membership contracts to grab a big discount, note that different gyms have varied cancellation policies and charges that may cost you more money should you change your mind. Instead, shop around for different options before settling on a fitness course and a gym membership you are confident and comfortable with.

Research different types of fitness programmes

As you narrow down your choices, you should also research the different fitness courses available to you and how they can each get you closer to your fitness goals. If you have any friends or family who are involved in fitness and sports, you can also try asking them for any input or advice on your desired class. Some gyms also have a guest pass you can benefit from if someone you know is a member, so you can try out their gym facilities or programmes for free or at a discounted rate. 

The internet is also saturated with information that can help you find out what you can expect from similar training programmes. Note that there are many ways to achieve your end goal, so keep trying out new training courses if one does not excite or motivate you. For example, you may be looking to incorporate a cardio activity into your fitness programme, but you tried and failed at jogging. You can still try a multitude of other exercises like swimming, boxing, and cycling to achieve similar results.

Stay motivated and keep making progress

fitness program australia

Last but not least, in order to achieve your goals, you have to learn to stay consistent and to continue making progress. It can feel especially difficult on some days or when you notice a stagnation in your progress, so here are some tips to help you keep going.

 

  • Set realistic goals

 

Oftentimes, as we start a new project, we are tempted to set very ambitious goals while our motivation levels are high. However, this can turn into a catalyst for your deterrence to continue your progress. Instead, try to take smaller steps and set measurable and manageable goals that are more realistic to your lifestyle and skills to motivate you to keep achieving your fitness milestones. 

 

  • Track your progress

 

On days when you feel like you are stagnating, or that your goals are too out of reach, it can be helpful to look back on the past milestones that you have reached to encourage and inspire you. Keep a diary of your progress and update regularly so you can visibly see progress. You can also turn to social media as a digital diary alternative to hype yourself up and track your bodily changes. 

Inversely, scheduling effective progress-tracking can also prevent you from obsessing and overanalysing your progress which can lead to more harmful side effects. Unsurprisingly, like everything else, consistency and discipline work best in moderation.

 

  • Celebrate your achievements

 

Find creative ways to celebrate every milestone you hit, even the small ones. Whether you treat yourself to something new, post your achievements online, or even get a sweet treat to cap the celebration off, remind yourself to give yourself a pat on the back for your effort. You deserve the kindness that you freely give to others

 

  • Establish a buddy system

 

And finally, if all else fails, you can also ask a friend to be your designated accountability buddy to help maintain your routine. Some people may find it a lot easier to have company for them to hold themselves accountable to their routine or fitness course, so phone a friend and see if that helps you stay on track. To sum it up, making the right decision on what training programmes work best for you is a personal process that benefits from a thorough assessment and understanding of yourself as well as your surroundings. Remember to keep going and keep trying until you find the training routine that works for you, and to never quit trying. If you are looking to get officially certified as a personal trainer, visit www.pt-courses.com.au to find out how you can expand your horizons in fitness education in Australia.

Dundee Kim Featured in Majoriti 7: Age is Merely a Number

Majoriti 7 Dundee Kim

Recently, Dundee Kim, the head of Fit Education’s International division, was featured in a comprehensive interview with Malaysia’s first premium weekly Bahasa Malaysia newspaper, Majoriti 7.

In his discussion, Kim touched upon various subjects, mainly focusing on the significance of exercise, particularly for those over 40.

On the topic of why some feel they’re too old to start exercising by the time they hit 40, Kim highlighted that though the body might face reduced flexibility and a decline in bone density with age, it’s never too late to begin. It becomes even more crucial for older adults to remain physically active. Exercise can counteract the effects of ageing, such as bettering cardiovascular health and preserving muscle mass. Kim advises older adults to consult with a healthcare or fitness expert who can suggest exercises tailored to their individual needs.

Kim is unequivocal about the importance of strength training. It’s not only about physical benefits, such as improved posture but also aids in enhancing blood circulation, bettering sleep patterns, and reducing stress.

According to Kim, the drop in exercise enthusiasm post-40 can be attributed to numerous factors, including work stress, prioritising family or involvement in children’s school activities. However, he firmly believes that a blend of daily walking and strength training forms the perfect entry point for late-starters.

Kim emphasises the benefits of engaging a professional trainer, especially for novices. Personal trainers can mould exercise routines to individual needs and impart correct techniques to stave off injuries.

Regarding how often one should exercise, Kim suggests that late-starters aim for six sessions a week with a rest day in between. Starting off gradually helps in avoiding injuries and burnout.

Wrapping up his discussion with Majoriti 7, Kim imparted words of motivation by giving a glimpse into his personal regimen. He begins his day at 5 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast, setting the tone for a productive day, ensuring he can offer the best services to his clients.

Find out about Dundee’s Boxing & Fitness, or enquire about our PT-Courses. Click here if you live outside of Australia and are looking for international student options. 

About Majoriti 7:

Drawing inspiration from the bustling urban life, Majoriti 7 stands out with its tagline ‘Adrenalin Metropolitan’, offering a unique perspective on both local and international scenes. It is a pioneer in being the first of its kind in the national language, catering specially to metropolitan communities. From astute commentaries on prevailing issues to spotlighting a world of extraordinary people, styles, and exclusive locales, Majoriti 7 echoes the cultures and achievements that mould our communities, representing the modern and progressive voice of Malay society.