Hello,
I have read here and elsewhere questions or comments about how to get a student visa.
For the majority of prospective applicants on this forum, i.e. British, the issue is not eligibility for the student visa, but finding an appropriate (CRICOS) course of study for desired outcomes, in the right place at the right time and getting an offer if in high demand.
If a school or institution accepts your application i.e. makes an offer, you pay insurance and first semester fees (protected under govt. trust) a Confirmation of Enrolment is issued which is used to do application online (plus health test) (it is implicit that you are a genuine student, you have funds to support yourself and understand that it is a temporary visa).
The actual visa process takes only 1-2 weeks, the real work is finding a programme that fits e.g. includes training hours etc.
PS If you use an education agent they should have official contracts under the ESOS Act. with institutions and NOT charge any up consultation front fees.
Cheers,
Andrew Smith
Cert IV WPA, B. Bus., Grad. Dip. Ed. & Training & M. Ed.
http://www.aiec.biz