Australia has introduced a set of revisions to its visa regulations for international students to improve the quality of its education system and safeguard the well-being of students.
This initiative, anticipated to strongly impact the global student community, highlights Australia’s dedication to upholding its position as a leading destination for higher education.
According to data from the government, 43,537 Nepali students were granted No Objection Certificates by the Nepal government to pursue higher education in Australia from mid-February to mid-June this year. [source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology]
In recent years, Australia has emerged as the top choice for Nepali students. Out of the 116,595 NOCs obtained by Nepali students in the previous fiscal year, more than 57 percent were specifically for studying in Australia, based on official statistics.
The Australian government is focused on ensuring that overseas students come to study in the country rather than primarily seeking work opportunities.
It is projected that these adjustments will cut migrant intake by half within two years. Let’s look at what those adjustments are and how they affect students.
From March 23, 2024, onwards, a new regulation called the Genuine Student Test (GST) requirement has been implemented by the Government to replace the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas. [source: Australian Home Ministry]
This updated rule mandates that all student visa applicants show authentic intention to study in Australia as their main reason for holding the visa.
The GST requirement is designed to cover students who not only pursue their education in Australia but also make contributions to skill development in the country with potential prospects of applying for permanent residence later on.
Students seeking lower levels of accreditation are the ones most likely to have their visa applications denied.
The language proficiency standard for incoming international undergraduate students has been raised from IELTS 5.5 to 6, and for postgraduate programs, it has increased from 6 to 6.5. [source: Australian Home Ministry]
Students who score less than the required standard will have to retake the exam which could push back the application deadlines by several weeks.
Increasing the minimum score will also affect students who do not have a good command of the English language.
Students who have a limited grasp of the English language can enroll in an ELICOS program or a pathway course to enhance their language abilities, and then pursue additional education upon completion.
The Australian government recently announced a significant increase in the minimum savings requirement for international students applying for a student visa.
As of October last year, prospective students are now required to demonstrate financial savings totaling AUD$24,505 (US$15,943), marking a substantial 17% surge from the previous minimum threshold. [source: The Economic Times]
For Nepalese students, that figure amounts to slightly over 21 lakhs. Any student who cannot show this amount saved up in their banks will most likely have their visas rejected.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs recently revealed its plan to assess universities and assign them risk levels. [source: The Economic Times]
The classification is based on the track record of students who have broken visa rules in the past, with Group 1 receiving priority for international student applications.
Students in Groups 2 and 3 will face a longer visa application process, including additional requirements such as demonstrating English proficiency and financial capacity.
In response to this new policy, various Australian universities have either withdrawn admission offers for international students or asked them to retract their applications to safeguard their reputations.
Australia is set to make changes to its policy on post-study work rights for international students, resulting in a reduced duration for international graduates to remain in the country for employment purposes.
Previously, the Australian government had extended the visa durations for post-study work, allowing undergraduates, master’s, and PhD students in specific programs to stay for up to 4–6 years based on their level of study.
However, according to an announcement by Australia’s Department of Education last month, these durations will now return to the original 2–3 years. [source: Australian Home Ministry]
If you intend to seek a Student visa in Australia, it’s vital to be aware of these modifications. You should be ready to furnish comprehensive details concerning your academic situation, educational background, and the reasons behind selecting Australia as your study destination.
It is advisable to anticipate the Genuine Student requirement by brainstorming potential questions, creating various responses, and seeking input from trusted individuals.
Additionally, we suggest undertaking practice English language proficiency assessments in advance to confirm that your score aligns with the updated minimum criteria.
