Study Visa Updates: Australia’s 5 Key Changes for Student Visa

These changes aim to ensure that Australia remains a top-tier destination for higher education while aligning visa policies with broader national interests, particularly in the wake of unprecedented immigration figures in the previous year.

In-Depth Examination of Financial Requirements: Starting from October 1, 2023, the Australian government has increased the financial threshold for international students. Applicants are now required to demonstrate access to AUD$24,505 (US$15,943), a significant 17% hike from the earlier financial requirement.

This adjustment ensures that students can adequately support themselves during their studies, thereby enhancing their educational experience and overall well-being in Australia.

Genuine Student Test (GST): A New Layer of Scrutiny: The GST, introduced in November last year, is a pivotal change aimed at assessing the authenticity of students' intentions to pursue education in Australia. This test replaces the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant criterion, placing a stronger emphasis on students' commitment to their studies rather than potential employment or residency prospects.

The GST is particularly stringent for applicants to lower-level credential programs, who now face a higher likelihood of visa denial if their primary motive appears to be employment rather than education.

Elevated English Language Proficiency Standards: Reflecting the importance of language proficiency in academic success and integration into Australian society, the government has revised the English language requirements.

Undergraduate applicants must now achieve an IELTS score of 6.0, while postgraduate applicants need a minimum of 6.5. These changes are designed to ensure that students are better prepared for the demands of their academic programs and can fully engage with the community.

Risk-Based University Ranking System: A novel system introduced in December categorizes universities into three groups based on the historical compliance of their international students with visa regulations. This ranking influences the priority and scrutiny level of visa applications, with Group 1 universities being deemed lower risk and thus receiving expedited processing.

This move encourages institutions to uphold high standards of recruitment and compliance, directly impacting their attractiveness to prospective international students.

Restructuring Post-Study Work Rights: In a significant shift from previous policies that allowed extended durations of post-study work rights, the government is set to reduce these periods to their original span of 2 to 3 years.

This change, effective from mid-year, is intended to realign the focus of international education towards academic and professional development rather than serving as a pathway to prolonged residency.

These policy revisions are part of Australia's broader strategy to manage its international student program sustainably and responsibly. By enforcing these changes, Australia aims to attract genuinely motivated students, ensure their successful integration and academic achievement, and maintain the global reputation of its higher education sector.