In 2022, over one lakh Indian students were present in Australia for higher studies and the number has been constantly increasing. From 73,808 in 2019, 33629 in 2020 and 8950 in 2021. While the number of Indian students is increasing in Australia, the Anthony Albanese-led government has decided to bring stricter rules for study visas.
There have been a few significant advancements and modifications in the field of Australian international students this year. The following are the top five updates/developments you should be aware of prior to traveling to Australia for further education:
Higher score in English proficiency tests
Australia announced on Monday that it would reduce the number of immigrants it accepts over the next two years by tightening visa requirements for foreign students. The new regulations state that foreign students must now score higher on English proficiency exams, and that a student’s second visa application, which would extend their stay, will be scrutinized more closely.
This decision comes a little after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that Australia’s migration numbers needed to be brought back to a “sustainable level,” and that “the system is broken.”
Students must generally obtain an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0 for their postgraduate options, in order to be eligible to study in Australia. Candidates should have had an overall score of at least 6.0 for courses at the undergraduate level. As of right now, it is anticipated that the requirement will change, so applicants should check with the universities they have shortlisted.
Change in work hours
Australia loosened the restrictions on the number of working hours that foreign students were permitted to work during and after the Covid pandemic. This year, however, there was a modification made to the cap on the number of work hours permitted for international students.
Holders of student visas will be limited to 48 hours of work every two weeks while they are enrolled in classes, or 24 hours per week, starting in July 2023.
However, this move will not apply to professional qualifications just yet.
Temporary Graduate Visa
While a lot of changes have been made in student visas over the past few years, Indian graduates will continue to be eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for:
– Two years for a bachelor degree
– Three years after the completion of a Masters degree
– Four years for the completion of a PhD.