Australia Tightens Student Visa Requirements to Safeguard International Students
Australia is taking significant steps to ensure the welfare of international students and protect the integrity of its education system. Key changes to migration rules are set to be implemented, aiming to bolster financial stability among students and clamp down on unscrupulous education providers. Here’s an overview of the important developments:
Increased Savings Requirement
Beginning on October 1, 2023, prospective international students planning to study in Australia will be required to demonstrate higher levels of financial readiness.
The federal government will raise the minimum savings requirement for student visa applicants to $24,505, representing a 17 percent increase.
This adjustment is a crucial step in ensuring students have the financial means to support themselves during their studies.
Closing the Loophole
In addition to the financial adjustment, the government is closing a significant loophole in the system.
This loophole allowed education providers to transition international students, who had been in Australia for less than six months, from a study program to an arrangement that enabled them to access work opportunities.
This change addresses concerns related to misuse of concurrent study arrangements.
Addressing Concurrent Study Concerns
The concurrent study function, which permits students to enroll in more than one course simultaneously, experienced a sharp spike in the first half of 2023.
The number of cases increased to 17,000, up from around 10,500 for the same period in 2019 and 2022 combined.
There were concerns that some international students were abandoning their primary courses in favor of cheaper vocational training or immediate employment, often before their visas allowed.
Crackdown on Unscrupulous Providers
The government’s recent review identified the misuse of ‘concurrent enrollment’ as an integrity issue within the international education sector.
Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized the need to prevent “dodgy and unscrupulous players” from exploiting international students.
The new measures will work to stop predatory second providers from enrolling students before they have completed the required six months at their initial institution, helping to maintain the integrity of one of Australia’s vital exports.
Immediate Implementation
These changes take effect immediately, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding international students and maintaining the integrity of the education system.
Preventing Fraud and Suspension
The government will also intensify scrutiny on high-risk cohorts to prevent fraud.
Education providers with high visa refusal rates, exceeding 50 percent, may face suspension.
This action is particularly important, as over 200 providers currently have visa refusal rates above the concerning threshold.
Welcomed by Universities Australia
The new measures have received support from Universities Australia, with Chief Executive Catriona Jackson highlighting the importance of protecting the system’s integrity.
It is essential to ensure that students who come to Australia for university education receive the full benefits of the world-class education they deserve.
Broader Migration System Review
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the migration system, Australia will conduct a broader review later this year, promising further enhancements and safeguards.
These actions underscore Australia’s dedication to providing a safe and enriching educational experience for international students while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
SOURCE
- SBS News
Disclaimer:
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the materials contained in this post, this communication is not intended to constitute legal or immigration advice or assistance. No person should act on the basis of the material contained in this post without obtaining advice relevant to their own circumstances and without considering and taking professional advice as may be necessary.
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