Use the "Finding a Visa" wizard on the home page: http://www.immi.gov.au

Assuming you are just a degree student, eventually you will be directed to this link: http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/students.htm. Read up everything. When you are done reading, you will understand where and how to start your application.

To give you some heads up:
1. Start applying now -> you can stop halfway through and resume later.
2. When you have your eCOE letter, you can continue with your application.
3. After answering all the questions, make payment via credit card
4. Upon completion, an email will be sent to you (your first and last reminder...haha), requesting that you conduct a medical checkup.
5. Once the medical checkup is complete, the clinic/hospital will submit your medical results to the aussie immigration department.
6. You will be notified via email if your application is successful (you can check online via VEVO too).

Why do you still have one week? Are you also waiting for your eCOE? I'm chasing like crazy.

why? You can do your student visa as early as 120 days before course commencement. If you have everything ready you should do right away, it's more convenient to do it before the whole crowd comes in.

Cool! You've got the visa already? That's fast! Mine's still not out..online health clinic messed up, and there's now a delay.

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Added on January 11, 2011, 1:41 pm

Since your brother is already a PR, he should have all the information you need. Note that migration policies change all the time, they may need profession A today, but may no longer need this profession in a few years. For current demand, check out the immigration website. Google a little, am sure you will find some useful info. Unless one of us is a migration agent, I doubt we will be able to provide latest updated migration policy info.

Am heading to Melbourne, year 12. Am going to ask college to ring up to enquire about my visa, since I can't call from here.

Yes, the latest status update read "health requirements finalised"...hopefully will get it tomorrow!

Thanks! I hope so too, am leaving next Monday! Haha. Did you do it yourself or via edu agent? I was wondering if I should have just used an agent.

Thanks to everyone especially Shooters, december88 and zeke'stah, got my visa!! Would have liked to hook up with everyone but it seems we're all in different parts of Australia! Here's wishing everyone all the very best in your studies and undertakings Down Under. A new chapter for all of us.

The visa is tied to your passport right? one would not need to print anyting exept the email they sent you during the confrimation.

Believe me, its a lot more common than you think. Back when I helped greet students from the airport I would know they were stuck when they didn't come out 2 hours after their flight landed. Invariably they were almost all Asians, and their English was questionable at best. I've had scenes where they think Quarantine is denying them their "right" to pork meat. They're trying to get their point by shouting in Mandarin and everyone's flustered.

I will admit it is hardly the best way to be welcomed to Australia, which is why I wrote what I wrote in the front page.

I can't put it any simpler. If you're going to bring fresh food, DECLARE the damn things. If they confiscate them, so be it. That is the reality of coming to Australia both as a tourist and a student. You can call it protectionism; the farmers call it pragmaticism. 

There is little point asking us, because:
1) There is a link in the front page to AQS stating what can and can't be brought into Australia.
2) It really is a case by case basis. Sometimes my achar comes in, sometimes it doesn't. Luck of the draw. As I said, they're not very consistent.

On the other hand, I understand the pain of having your tea leaves, them herbs, birds nest, your grandmothers rendang, et al, confiscated. So don't bring them, or bring in small quantities. If they get through fine, if not, move on as a human.

I mean, if you want to come to Australia, and I know I'll sound like Pauline Hanson, try the local cuisine.

Endnote: Border Security is awesome. Seven consistently gets high rankings when they broadcast a new season. Get digital TV to catch up on the older episodes.

See also: http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2876988.htm

just arrived in aussie this morning. There was a tv cast at arrivals shooting a tv show on border security ^^"

My QUT's lecturer share this with us

that's so awesome.... they close at 5pm here...  xD

haha...warm milk before sleep is awesome.. =D

haha...recommend a good milk brand man. i've not bought any yet.

Queenslanders get ready for the Queensland Sports Carnival 2011 =D
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115100665239058

nop I woke up late so I decided not to go =P
I was around BGS on Saturday though.