Recent changes announced to Australian student Visa
The Australian government decided to make changes to the student visa requirements with the below criteria:
Increased Requirements for English Proficiency Test Scores
The minimum English language proficiency for undergraduate and postgraduate programs has increased.
The IELTS test score for undergraduate programs will increase from 5.5 to 6.0.
while for postgraduate programs, the requirement has gone up from 6.0 to 6.5. The required IELTS score for the Temporary Graduate Visa will now be 6.5 from 6.0.
Students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be required to have IELTS 5.5.
The minimum English language proficiency for undergraduate and postgraduate programs has increased.
This adjustment underscores the importance of strong English language skills for succeeding in higher education settings in Australia.
Post-Study Work Stream
The post-study work stream will be renamed to the post-higher education work stream. The maximum eligible age for Post-Higher Education Workstream applicants will be 35 years of age or under.
Per the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian aspirants would still be eligible for a post-study work visa. It would vary based on the program.
Aspirants pursuing bachelor's programs would get up to 2 years.
Whereas for masters (coursework and research) students, it would be up to 3 years, and PhD holders would get up to 4 years in the major cities.
Moreover, STEM graduates with First Class Honors will now be allowed to extend their stays from two years to three.
Apart from this, Indian students studying in regional Australian locations can continue to leverage an additional 1-2 years.
Genuine Student Test
The Australian government has replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement with the Genuine Student Test (GST) since last November.
The GST aims to assess whether applicants genuinely intend to pursue their studies in Australia.
This move shifts the focus towards students who are committed to their education, ensuring they contribute positively to the Australian economy, develop skills to Australia needs, and then go on to apply for permanent residence.
The GS criterion focuses on the assessment of the student’s intention to genuinely study in Australia. It considers factors, including the applicant’s:
- Circumstances
- Immigration history
- Compliance with visa conditions and any other relevant matter.
This criterion acknowledges that post-study pathways are available for those who may be eligible.
Revised Fund Requirements for Student Visas
One of the primary changes announced by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is the increase in the minimum financial requirement for securing a student visa.
Per the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian aspirants would still be eligible for a post-study work visa. It would vary based on the program.
As of October 1, 2023, international students are now required to demonstrate savings of AUD$24,505 (US$15,943), a 17% increase from the previous requirement.
This change emphasizes the need for students to ensure they have sufficient funds to support their education and stay in Australia.
Changes for Onshore Students
In December, a new university ranking system was disclosed, classifying universities based on the risk level associated with past visa regulation violations by their students.
The system categorizes universities into three groups, with Group 1 institutions being deemed the lowest risk.
International students applying to these universities can expect priority in their visa application processing.
Conversely, those applying to Groups 2 and 3 universities may face longer processing times and stricter evidence requirements.
Updated financial requirements
Previously, student visa applicants were required to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for a year.
However, with the increase in permissible work hours from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, students can now supplement their income more substantially through part-time employment.
Students must demonstrate access to a minimum of AU$24,505 in their bank account to cover a year’s living costs.
Updated financial requirements
Previously, student visa applicants were required to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for a year.
However, with the increase in permissible work hours from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, students can now supplement their income more substantially through part-time employment.
Students must demonstrate access to a minimum of AU$24,505 in their bank account to cover a year’s living costs.
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