Australia remains a popular study destination globally, with a significant growth in the number of students choosing to study there in recent years. The Australian government recommended a student cap to assist manage the development and thus National Planning Level (NPL) student caps for 2025 was formed. However, this new system has not been confirmed.
Australia offers opportunities to stay and work in Australia for a limited time and, for some graduates, pathways to permanent residency – if your skills and qualifications are needed. This will enable you to better plan for your future, in Australia or elsewhere.
To make things fairer, Australia will limit ‘visa hopping’ between different temporary visas that do not offer a pathway to permanent residency.
On 23 March 2024, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement was replaced with a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
The GS requirement is a set of questions within your student visa application that you must answer.
These targeted questions will help the Department of Home Affairs assess if the applicant is a genuine student applicant. It will also improve the application process and ensure that genuine international students benefit from a safe and supported study experience in Australia.
On 23 March 2024, the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas changed. The new English language requirements will better support learning and employment outcomes for you.
The minimum test score for a Student visa has increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5 to 6.0 (or its equivalent). The minimum test score for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has increased from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). The minimum test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
The test score required for a Temporary Graduate visa has increased from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
The length of post-study work visas will change. However, Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa will still give you time to gain valuable work experience and demonstrate your skills to Australian employers.
“Australia has solidified its position as a desirable destination by extending post-study work rights for graduates in priority sectors to up to six years. This move has resulted in a 17% increase in international student numbers, now exceeding 570,000,” says Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, University Living.
If you gain work in a skilled job during your post-study work period, you may be eligible to apply for the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa. This visa provides a clearer pathway to permanent residency.
Initial stay periods for Indian nationals will not change, as agreed in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study government-registered courses that meet national quality standards. International students should visit Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses Overseas Students (CRICOS) for a list of these courses when looking to study in Australia.
The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023. The Strategy is designed to further strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education programs, better protect international students and support graduates to achieve their career goals.