Western Australia Tightens Study Criteria for Skilled Migration

Western Australia has recently made significant changes to its study criteria for skilled migration, impacting students and applicants seeking to meet the state's two-year study requirement.

Historically, the state's policy allowed some flexibility, particularly for those whose studies were disrupted by COVID-19. However, recent updates have introduced stricter guidelines that applicants need to be aware of.

Current Study Requirements: To meet Western Australia’s two-year study requirement, all coursework must be conducted face-to-face. Online study, except for courses disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, is not permitted. This rule ensures that students gain the full benefit of in-person learning and engagement.

Impact on Advanced Diplomas and Additional Qualifications: An Advanced Diploma has long been a valuable qualification for applicants aiming to enhance their chances of success. For the past three years, many students have completed two years of face-to-face study followed by an Advanced Diploma, often through fast-tracked programs that included online components. Historically, Western Australia approved many nominations based on this pattern, without explicitly detailing restrictions on online study for additional qualifications.

New Interpretation and Documentation Requirements: Recent developments reveal a shift in Western Australia’s approach to its study criteria. The government now stipulates that not only must the initial two-year study requirement be met with face-to-face learning, but any additional qualification used to boost an applicant’s priority must also adhere to this standard.

This means that even if the additional qualification is pursued through fast-tracked or hybrid programs, it must be completed entirely on-campus to be considered.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) has reinforced these changes by requesting detailed documentation from applicants. This includes:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) notices
• Signed letters from educational institutions verifying that all studies were conducted on campus with a full-time study load

Implications for Applicants: These updated requirements mean that all qualifications used to satisfy the two-year study mandate, and any additional qualifications for priority selection, must strictly adhere to the face-to-face learning rule. Applicants should ensure they meet these criteria to avoid delays or rejections in their nominations.

For prospective students and applicants, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and plan their educational pathways accordingly to align with Western Australia's stringent requirements.