Getting your study-abroad papers ready in Australia
In short: 4 offices in Australia verify, attest or issue the papers a student visa asks for. For each: what it does, the official portal, the steps, the fee as its official page prints it and its offices, read on 16 October 2026.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) - National Police Check
National Police Certificate (criminal record check) for visas and immigration.
Apply online, upload scans, check your details and state the purpose of the check (for example a visa for the country you are going to).
Pay by credit card online.
The AFP emails a digital certificate; most are done within a few days. You can ask for a posted hard copy too.
If fingerprints are needed, you cannot apply online: print the paper form, get fingerprints taken (local police; ACT through Access Canberra or ACT Policing), and post it with a bank cheque or money order to Australian Federal Police, Criminal Records, Locked Bag 8550, Canberra City ACT 2601. This takes 15 to 30 business days.
Under 18? A parent or guardian must co-sign.
Fee, as the official page prints it: Each NPC application costs $57. If fingerprints are required, the total cost is $114. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Check the birth is registered in NSW and the certificate is for you (or your child under 18).
Have the birth details, proof of identity, email, phone and payment ready.
Apply online, or take the paper form and ID to a Service NSW Centre.
Standard online service: up to 3 weeks, plus 5 to 7 days for delivery.
Fee, as the official page prints it: Standard service $70. Fees include $11 postage and handling. Priority service: $105 (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply online; biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are given at VFS Global visa application centres. · Official booking
Apply online for a study permit through your IRCC account.
Wait for the biometric instruction letter (BIL).
Within 30 days, book a free biometrics appointment at a visa application centre in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne or Perth) on the VFS Global Australia site. Never pay anyone for the appointment.
Take the letter to the centre and give your fingerprints and photo. Biometrics are usually valid for 10 years.
Send your passport only when IRCC asks for it.
Sydney: Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.. Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.
Melbourne: Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.. Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.
Perth: Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.. Not confirmed on an official page; check before you go.
German Consulate General in Sydney (all applicants attend in Sydney; the Embassy in Canberra and honorary consuls do not take visa applications). Australian citizens may instead enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit there. · Official booking
Apply online on the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de/visa). Print and sign the application form.
Wait while the consulate checks your documents; fix anything missing in the portal.
When accepted, you get a booking link for an appointment in Sydney.
At the appointment show your original documents, give fingerprints and a photo, and pay the fee.
Processing takes about four weeks.
Sydney: Level 17, 100 William Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011. Monday to Friday 08:15 am - 12:15 pm (consular section, appointment only)