This article provides an in-depth guide on the statutory declaration requirements for individuals sponsoring international students in Australia. It includes key elements of the declaration, steps for proving financial capacity, and the legal significance of these declarations in the student visa process. Ideal for sponsors and students alike, this guide aims to demystify the process and ensure compliance with Australian legal requirements for a successful educational experience in Australia.

Introduction: Australia is a dream destination for many international students seeking high-quality education. To ensure a smooth and supportive educational journey, many students rely on sponsors to help bear their financial and personal responsibilities. One critical aspect of this sponsorship is the statutory declaration (Stat Dec), a legal document that plays a vital role in the student visa application process. In this article, we'll delve into the requirements and importance of a statutory declaration for student sponsors.

What is a Statutory Declaration? A statutory declaration is a legal statement made under oath, affirming that the information provided is true. In the context of student sponsorship for Australian visas, it is a formal declaration by the sponsor, stating their commitment to support the student financially during their stay in Australia.

Key Elements of a Statutory Declaration for Student Sponsors:

1. Identity of the Sponsor: The declaration must clearly state the full name, address, and relationship of the sponsor to the student.
2. Commitment to Support: The sponsor must declare their intention to provide financial support, covering living expenses, educational costs, and any other necessary expenditures.
3. Proof of Financial Capacity: The sponsor should attach evidence of their financial ability, such as bank statements or employment details, to prove they can fulfill their commitment.
4. Duration of Support: The declaration should specify the duration of the sponsorship, typically aligning with the course length.
5. Purpose of Declaration: It should be clear that the declaration is to support the student's visa application and to assure that the student will not rely on public funds in Australia.

Sample Statutory Declaration:

Here’s a sample declaration to illustrate what a typical statutory declaration might look like:

I, [Full Name of Family Member], of [Your Address], do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:

1. Relationship to Student: I am the [Relationship, e.g., parent, guardian] of [Student's Full Name], who is intending to pursue [Name of Course] at [Name of Educational Institution] in Australia.
2. Commitment to Support: I hereby declare that I will be financially supporting [Student's Full Name] for the entire duration of their studies in Australia. This support will include all living expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses, as well as all educational expenses including tuition fees, books, and other study materials.
3. Financial Capacity: I confirm that I have sufficient financial resources to support [Student's Full Name] in Australia. Attached herewith are financial documents demonstrating my financial capability, including [list financial documents, e.g., bank statements, employment proof, income tax returns].
4. Duration of Support: The financial support will cover the entire duration of [Student's Full Name]'s course, which is expected to be [duration of course] years/months, starting from [start date of course].
5. Purpose of Declaration: This declaration is made to support the visa application of [Student's Full Name] for studying in Australia and to assure the Australian authorities that [he/she/they] will not require public funds during [his/her/their] stay in Australia.

I understand that this declaration is made for the purposes of [Student's Full Name]'s visa application and may be used by the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the educational institution for verifying the financial support for [Student's Full Name].

I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 2024.

Declared at [place] on this [day] day of [month], 2024.

[Signature of Declarant]

[Full Name of Declarant]

Before me,

[Signature of authorized witness]

[Name and Title of authorized witness]

Please ensure that this template is adapted as necessary to fit the specific circumstances and that it is signed in the presence of an authorized witness, such as a notary public, as required by law.