Visa Update: Australia's Genuine Student Requirement

The Migration Strategy elucidated how the revisions in English language criteria for student visas are aimed at facilitating international students to have a positive educational experience in Australia and to equip them for the skilled workforce should they decide to apply for a graduate visa post their studies.

Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV):

• The minimum required score for a TGV from the IELTS test has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5 (or its equivalent), with each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) necessitating a minimum score of 5.5.
• The validity duration for a TGV from an English language test has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants are now required to furnish evidence demonstrating that they have completed an English Language test within 1 year immediately before the date of the visa application.

Student visa:

• The minimum score required for a Student visa from an IELTS test has been increased from 5.5 to 6 (or its equivalent).
• The minimum score required to pursue a packaged ELICOS from IELTS has been elevated from 4.5 to 5.0.
• There will be no alteration for students solely studying English through ELICOS.
• Students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that provide recognized English language training will be required to attain an IELTS score of 5.5 (or its equivalent).

Raising English language requirements for students enrolled in VET and higher education courses necessitates a corresponding increase in scores for those opting for packaged ELICOS courses. This ensures that students can seamlessly transition into their main course with the requisite level of English proficiency.