Citizenship test study guide

Check the residence requirement

Most people applying through permanent residency need to meet all three parts of the general residence requirement on the day they apply.

• Lived in Australia lawfully for the 4 years right before you apply.
• Held a permanent visa for the last 12 months of those 4 years.
• Been away from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the 4 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.

Get your official travel records

Counting days away from memory is risky. Home Affairs can send you your Australian arrival and departure records across all your passports, current and old. Request them online with current photo ID, then use the dates in the residence calculator.

National Police Check (AFP)

A National Police Certificate is a summary of your offender history in Australia. It is used for citizenship and permanent residence applications, some visas, jobs and volunteering.

• Apply online and upload identity documents worth at least 100 points.
• Choose the right purpose. A certificate can only be used for the purpose it was issued for.
• Cost: $57, or $114 with fingerprints.
• Most are finished within 48 hours. Fingerprint checks take 15 to 30 business days.

Certified copies and statutory declarations (JP)

A Justice of the Peace (JP) can certify copies of your original documents and witness a statutory declaration. JPs volunteer their time, and in NSW they are not allowed to charge you.

• Bring the original and the copy. The JP must see both.
• Find JPs at local councils, libraries and courthouses, or search your state's JP register. The NSW register can filter by language spoken, so you can look for a Vietnamese-speaking JP.
• A JP in Australia cannot witness documents that will be used overseas.

Translating Vietnamese documents

Documents that are not in English usually need an English translation. New arrivals may be able to get this done for free through the Free Translating Service.

• Permanent residents and some temporary visa holders can have up to 10 eligible personal documents translated, within 2 years of their visa grant.
• Australian citizens, and people on bridging, tourist or working holiday visas, can't use it. Translations needed for visa applications aren't covered.
• Otherwise, use a NAATI certified translator. You can search the NAATI directory by language.

University fees: HECS-HELP needs citizenship

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), the government pays part of your fees. A HECS-HELP loan can cover the rest, but most permanent residents can't get one and must pay their share upfront.

• HECS-HELP is open to Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders, and some New Zealand and Pacific engagement visa holders.
• If you plan to study soon, becoming a citizen first can make a big difference to what you pay upfront.

Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE covers selected certificate, diploma and short courses. Permanent residents are generally eligible, but each state sets its own rules, such as living or working in that state.

• Courses and places change each year. Check your state's list through Your Career.
• Some states limit you to one Fee-Free course.

Where to find scholarships

Scholarships come from three places: the government, universities and TAFEs, and private organisations. Most are listed on each provider's own website, so search more than one.

• Use the scholarship search on each university's website and filter by your course and situation.
• Look for equity scholarships, for example for students facing financial hardship or living in regional areas.
• Studying in a regional area? Ask about Destination Australia scholarships.
• Note deadlines early. Many close months before the semester starts.

Writing a strong application

Selection panels want to see why you, why this course, and what you've already done. Your migration story is relevant: it shows resilience and goals.

• Answer each selection criterion directly, using a real example for each.
• Get evidence ready early: certified copies (see the JP tip), translated documents and, for need-based awards, income statements.
• Ask referees at least two weeks before the deadline, and tell them what the scholarship is for.
• Have someone read your answers before you submit.