Study in Australia: New Visa Requirements

new visa requirement for australia

 

Breaking News! 

Australia launched new student visa rules in 2023.

Do you plan to study abroad in Australia? If so, it’s very important to stay informed about the recent changes to the country’s student visa requirements. In December 2023, the Australian government implemented several updates to its policies. So International students need to understand these new rules.

Thanks to its world-class educational institutions, vibrant culture, and favorable climate, Australia has long been a popular destination for international students. However, the landscape for student visas has expanded, and Nepalese students must stay informed about the latest developments.

5 new rules in the Australian Student Visa Policy

There is an important update to the Australian student visa requirements. While there haven’t been any major announcements regarding entirely new policies, there have been significant increases in the financial requirements for international students.

The Australian government has recently made changes to its student visa policies. These updates include higher English language requirements, stricter financial standards, tighter restrictions on work hours, and post-study extensions for international students. While some of these new rules may benefit genuine students, they also present additional challenges that Nepalese students need to know about.

It is highly recommended that Nepalese students planning to study in Australia work closely with professional education consultancies. So that they have recent updates about recent policy changes. These experts can provide guidance and support throughout the visa application process, helping to ensure that all requirements are met and increasing the chances of a successful study abroad in Australia.

The Australian government has recently launched different new rules. Some of them are listed below:

  • Higher English language proficiency requirements
  • Financial proof requirements
  • Educational Intent
  • Cutting post-study extensions
  • Working Hours Cap in Australia

 

Higher English language proficiency requirements

The language requirements for student and graduate visas have increased.

Now the students who want to study in Australia should score 6.5, up from 6.0 in IELTS.

The government has also raised English language proficiency standards for those applying for student visas to ensure that students can fully participate in both Australia’s social and academic life. 

Higher Savings Proof for International Students

The financial requirements for obtaining an Australian student visa have recently been updated and increased. Applicants now need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their travel, tuition fees, and living costs during their stay in the country. This is a measure to ensure that students avoid financial difficulties while pursuing their studies.

Effective October 1, 2023, new applicants are required to provide proof of meeting these updated financial capacity requirements. The minimum amount that must be shown is the amount necessary to fulfill the visa criteria. However, it’s important to note that actual living expenses can vary across different regions in Australia and may exceed the visa-specific minimum.

The latest change represents the second increase in the required funds within seven months. In October 2023, the minimum financial requirement was raised from A$21,041 to A$24,505. Now, international students must demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 (approximately $19,576) to cover their living expenses during their studies in Australia.

These adjustments to the financial requirements for Australian student visas aim to address the evolving cost-of-living dynamics and ensure that international students have the necessary resources to support themselves throughout their academic journey in the country.

Educational Intent

The Australian Government has recently introduced the “Genuine Student Test” as part of the application process for student visas. This measure was designed to ensure that students from overseas are coming to Australia looking to study for the first time, rather than simply looking for a job.

The Genuine Student Test replaces the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Under this new test, visa applications will undergo a more thorough review process, especially for those deemed to be high-risk. The goal is to filter out applicants who may not have genuine academic goals as their primary motivation for coming to Australia.

Furthermore, the government will be imposing “no further stay” conditions on more visitor visas. This means that certain visa holders will not be able to extend their stay or apply for a different visa after arriving in Australia.

These changes are part of the Australian government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the international student program and ensure that the system is used effectively by those looking to prioritize work over study.

Cutting post-study extensions

Australia is adjusting its post-study work rights policy for international students. Previously, the government had extended the durations that graduates could stay in the country for work, allowing up to 4-6 years depending on the level of study.

However, these extended post-study work visa periods will now be reduced. According to a recent announcement, the durations will revert to the original 2-3 year timeframes.

This policy change represents a shift in Australia’s approach to retaining international talent after graduation. The government aims to strike a balance between providing post-study work opportunities and maintaining the integrity of the student visa system.

The upcoming reduction in post-study work rights is likely to impact the long-term career plans and employment prospects for many international students considering studying in Australia.

In summary, Australia is scaling back the generous post-study work visa extensions it had previously implemented, reverting to the original 2-3 year durations for international graduates.

Working Hours Cap in Australia

Australia has reintroduced limits on work hours for international student visa holders (subclass 500). Previously, these restrictions had been relaxed and even temporarily removed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective July 1, 2023, student visa holders are now capped at 48 work hours per fortnight during their study terms and semesters. This change aims to ensure international students can focus on their academic studies while also gaining work experience. These students will be allowed to continue working unrestricted hours in aged care until the end of 2023.

Overall, the reintroduction of work-hour limits for international students represents a policy adjustment by the Australian government to balance academic focus and work opportunities for this group.

Overall Requirements:

In addition to the financial demonstration, you’ll still need to meet several other criteria to qualify for an Australian student visa. These include:

Enrollment: Be enrolled in a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE):  Provide a statement demonstrating your genuine intention to study and return to your home country after completing your program.

English Language Proficiency: Meet the English language requirements through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Health Insurance: Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay.

Character Requirements: Pass a character assessment.

Reliable sources for updates:

The Department of Home Affairs Immigration website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Study Australia: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/

 

Why is Australia getting stricter?

Australia is getting stricter because of the growing number of international students studying in Australia, visa rules have been tightened for international students.

New Requirement: International students applying for an Australian student visa must now demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 (around $19,576).

Previous Increases: This is the second increase in financial requirements within seven months. In October, the requirement went from A$21,041 to A$24,505.

This highlights the importance of checking for updates on official government websites close to the application. Here are some again for your reference:

The Department of Home Affairs Immigration website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Study Australia: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/ 

 

Conclusion:

 

It is highly recommended that Nepalese students who wants to  study in Australia work closely with reputable education consultancies. These experts can provide best  Education Consulting and support throughout the application process. They also make sure  that all requirements are met and the visa application is well-prepared.

As an international student, staying up-to-date with the latest changes in student visa requirements is crucial.  Understanding the new rules and regulations can help  better prepare for their study abroad  journey and increase their chances of securing a student visa. Remember, visa requirements can change, so it’s crucial to consult these official resources for the most up-to-date information before applying for your Australian student visa.

 

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