Australia Tightens Student Visa Requirements | Australia Study Visa news

The Australian government has introduced stricter requirements for student visas, now demanding proof of savings totaling at least AUD29,710 ($19,576). This is the second increase in required savings within seven months, following a rise from AUD24,505 to AUD29,710 in October.

These adjustments come as Australia experiences a surge in migration and growing concerns about fraudulent student recruitment practices.

The Albanese government is taking steps to tighten visa processes, including raising the required International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. The recent increase in the savings requirement reflects broader efforts to halve annual immigration.

The tightened regulations have particularly affected Indian students, with a 48% decline in visas granted between December 2022 and December 2023. India remains the second-largest source country for international student enrollments in Australia.

In addition to stricter visa rules, the government is cracking down on education providers suspected of fraudulent recruitment. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has issued warning letters to 34 providers for alleged exploitative practices, threatening imprisonment and recruitment bans.

These measures aim to protect the integrity of Australia's international education sector, a key economic contributor generating AUD$36.4 billion ($24 billion) in revenue during the 2022/23 financial year.

However, the surge in migration, led by international students, has strained resources, particularly rental markets. Net immigration increased by 60% to a record 548,800 individuals in the year ending September 30, 2023.

With tighter visa regulations, alleged discriminatory practices, and strain on resources, the number of international students entering Australia has declined since 2023. The government anticipates a significant reduction in migrant intake in the coming years to address challenges in the immigration system.