The Australian government has made visa rules stricter to make sure international students are serious about studying and also to stop people from misusing visas.
According to TravelBiz, more students are choosing to study in Australia, which has made enrollment numbers go up.
Research from International Education Data shows that by April 2024, there were 780,104 international students enrolled. This is a 16% increase from 2019.
New Visa Rules
- TravelBiz reports that the Australian government has updated student visa rules to better manage the growing number of international students.
- The changes aim to improve the student experience but come with stricter rules.
- One big change is in English language requirements. Students now need higher scores on English tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE to get a visa. This ensures they can understand their classes and live comfortably in Australia.
- Before, lower scores were acceptable, but now the minimum scores are higher to show a stronger grasp of English.
- This change should help students fit in better academically, though it might be harder for those who are not native English speakers.
Financial Requirements
The Australian government also now requires students to show they have enough money to live and study in Australia.
Before, less money was needed to prove financial stability. Now, students must show they have enough funds to cover living costs, tuition, and travel expenses.
New policies are designed to keep non-genuine students out and to protect the visa system’s integrity.
Visa application fees have also gone up. Applying for a student visa now costs AUD 1,600, up from the earlier cost of about AUD 630. According to Enjoy Your Travel, a visitor visa to Australia cost AUD 140 (about 51,000 Naira) last year.
For temporary graduate visas, only those aged 35 and under can now apply. Also, the previous two-year extension for these visas has been removed. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria now require personal statements and proof of a student’s plan to go back home after studying.
Educational institutions now face stricter checks and regular audits. Support for high-need areas includes new scholarships, lower fees, and quicker visa processing for fields like health and education.
What You Should Know
- Students should apply for their visas early to manage all document requirements and any potential issues.
- They need to show proof of financial stability to cover their study and living costs and improve their English through recognized tests.
- Australia remains a popular place for international students. Understanding these new rules can help students succeed in their studies in Australia.