March 14th, 2024 at 12:26 am

5 Key Changes In Australia’s International Student Visa Policy ~ Study in Australia 2024

The five most significant modifications to Australia’s foreign student visa regulations are highlighted in this article. To learn how these modifications can impact the way your application is processed, read on. For overseas students, studying in Australia is their ideal scenario. Are your goals the same as mine?

Australia has strengthened its position as a top global education destination by implementing major legislative changes to its international student visa program. The improvement of student welfare and educational quality is the main goal of these revisions. Beginning in the middle of 2024, Australia will restrict international student’s ability to work after graduation by placing limitations on Australian student visas.

So, this proposal favors the use of visas for schooling over long-term residency. Australia has resolved to cut the immigration intake by half by implementing a policy change in December after experiencing a big 510,000 migrant inflow in 2022–2023.

Additionally, Australia’s Department of Education and Department of Home Affairs have announced five significant modifications to the country’s foreign student visa regulations thus far. Let’s investigate them further.

1. Increased Proof of Funds

The first major adjustment is the stronger proof of finances. The criterion for applicants to demonstrate savings of 2,455 Australian dollars has increased from the previous minimum by 17% to obtain an Australian student visa. The Australian government has enforced this minimum savings requirement starting on October 1, 2023.

2. Genuine Student Test (GST)

The former genuine temporary admission criteria have been replaced with an exhaustive examination as the second alteration. The purpose of the Genuine Student Test (GST) is to ascertain whether an applicant truly intends to study in Australia.

The government introduced this exam in November of last year to give preference to candidates who are dedicated to learning instead of working and boosting the Australian economy. Consequently, students who pursue lower-level certifications run a higher risk of having their visas rejected.

3. Higher ASILE Score

A higher ASILE score is another significant modification. The minimum English language requirement for undergraduate programs has risen from ASILE 5.5 to 6.0, while the minimum English language requirement for postgraduate programs, such as Master’s and doctoral degrees, has increased from ASILE 6.0 to ASILE 6.5.

4. Latest University Ranking

The ranking of universities has also changed. Universities are now ranked according to risk levels, per a new ranking system that was unveiled by the Australian Department of Home Affairs in December. This categorization places colleges into three groups according to prior instances of student infractions of visa regulations.

In general, visa applications for institutions in Group 1 will be processed more quickly than those for universities in Groups 2 and 3, which will have a longer visa application process. Groups two and three applicants would also need to provide extra documentation of their financial savings and English language skills. As a result, many Australian universities have taken steps to protect their reputation, such as contacting prospective students again or encouraging them to withdraw their applications.

5. End of Post-Study Work Rights

Last but not least, post-study work privileges have been eliminated. The government will change overseas students’ post-study work rights starting in mid-year, returning them to their previous two- to three-year period. However, depending on the overseas students’ study level, the prior extension duration was 4 to 6 years.

The Australian Department of Education announced last month that international graduates’ time spent living and working in Australia would be reduced.