December 3rd, 2024 at 04:29 am
Australia Increases Student Visa Fees and Implements Stricter Policies, Raising Concerns in India
Australia’s recent decision to double student visa fees and enforce stricter visa regulations has created financial challenges for Indian students. These changes significantly impact international education, prompting many students to consider alternatives like Canada and the UK.
Australia has increased its student visa fees from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. This nearly doubles the cost, effective July 1, 2024. The hike has raised considerable concerns among Indian students. The Indian government has voiced its worries, highlighting the financial burden this places on aspiring international students.
Indian Government Responds
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, recently addressed this issue in the Rajya Sabha. He confirmed that the matter has been raised with Australian authorities. “The issue has been discussed with relevant authorities along with other student-related concerns,” he stated.
Risks to Australia’s Popularity
Australia has historically been a favored destination for Indian students. From January to September 2023, over 122,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions. However, the combination of stricter visa rules and increased fees has led to a dramatic 56% decline in student visas issued to Indians between October 2023 and August 2024.
Stricter Visa Policies in 2024
Australia’s new student visa requirements have made it more challenging for international students to gain entry. Here are some of the key changes:
1. Increased Financial Proof
Beginning May 2024, international students must prove they have a minimum of AUD 29,710 for living expenses. This amount is an increase from the previous AUD 24,505. This adjustment reflects Australia’s rising cost of living and ensures students can support themselves while studying.
2. Higher English Proficiency Standards
Starting in early 2024, students must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, up from the previous requirement of 5.5. This change underscores the importance of strong language skills for academic success and effective integration into Australian society.
3. Reduced Post-Study Work Rights
Graduates from bachelor’s and master’s programs will now only have access to a two-year post-study work visa. This reduction limits the opportunities for graduates to gain valuable work experience and secure long-term employment in Australia.
4. Genuine Student Rule
Introduced in March 2024, this rule evaluates a student’s intent to study in Australia. It reviews their academic plans, financial capacity, and genuine commitment to their chosen course. This aims to prevent the misuse of student visas.
Impact on Indian Students
A recent survey by IDP Education revealed alarming trends. About 49% of students have retracted their plans to study in Australia due to rising tuition costs. Additionally, 35% cited high visa fees and living expenses as major concerns.
Exploring Alternatives
With Australia’s new policies creating significant hurdles, international students are now examining other destinations. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Germany offer more stable visa processes and costs, making them attractive alternatives.
India-Australia Education Ties
Despite the challenges posed by these changes, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) continues to promote collaboration. Initiatives such as post-study work rights, youth mobility programs, and mutual recognition of qualifications foster educational ties between the two nations. However, the recent changes could potentially impede future growth in student exchanges.
Further Thoughts
The Indian government is expected to maintain an ongoing dialogue with Australia to address these growing concerns. As Australia tightens its visa policies, students might increasingly look to other countries that offer more favorable conditions for international education.
The landscape of international study is shifting, and students must adapt to these changes. With careful consideration, they can find pathways that align with their educational and career goals.
Australia Student Visas Major Updates
Policy Changes for International Students in Australia
The Genuine Student Test is one of several programs being implemented by the Australian government. Additionally, the imposition of a “No Further Stay” clause will limit the employment opportunities available to foreign students throughout their time in the United States. Australia also plans to raise the English language competence standards for international students and increase the number of graduate visas available.
Additionally, providers or educational institutions that often break visa regulations while enrolling international students risk suspension. The clause allowing foreign students to work without limitations will eventually be removed. These new steps come after earlier steps to restore the more relaxed rules about COVID-19 student visas.
When will the actions be implemented?
According to reports, on March 23, 2024, the Australian student visas will be revised to take these changes into account.
In what ways will the government react to Australia’s unprecedented immigration figures?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that net immigration reached a record high of 5,488 for the fiscal year that ended. This is a 60% increase. Compared to the prior tally of 518,000 people, this is a huge increase.
Furthermore, students from China, India, and the Philippines are the main forces behind this extraordinary migration. Although salary pressure has decreased as a result, housing conditions have worsened. According to reports, building costs are rising in Australia while the number of rental homes available is at an all-time low.
This paper includes more details about Australia’s remarkable population growth, which reached a peak of 26.8 million in 2017. This growth was seen last year.
Admission of International Students to Australia
Australia is currently one of the most popular study-abroad destinations because of its recent popularity boom. The two most crucial elements that prospective students should think about when planning their study abroad experience are deadlines and intakes.
Australian institutions normally accept applications in February, July, and November. A sizable percentage of international students starting in Australia’s July academic year chose to pursue interdisciplinary studies, despite the narrow selection of degree options.
This article will discuss the application process, the deadline, and the benefits of the Australia 2024 July intake.
Why is the July intake from Australia preferred?
All intakes accept international students, however as previously mentioned, a large selection of courses are available for registration in the second intake in July. In Australia, February is the main intake month, also referred to as the first semester, and most universities offer their full range of degrees during this period.
Since many educational institutions still offer courses in July, it’s a great option if you’re turned down for admission in February. While final results are anticipated, Australian universities provide conditional acceptance to applicants; overseas students typically indicate a preference for the July intake.
Since college and school results are typically released in May or July, this clause could be helpful because it would allow you to start the visa application process right away, saving you a significant amount of time.
The July intake is the most popular time for international students to enroll in Australia since it gives them enough time to do the following tasks: requesting letters of recommendation, creating curriculum vitae and motivational letters, and obtaining their university transcripts.
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