New Changes by Australia for International Students

Nationwide Visas
[Published 22 May, 2024 | 05:28 PM]
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International students who are planning to study in Australia must be aware of the new changes by the Australian government, which will affect them in 2024.

Under the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, released on December 11, 2023, the government wants to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education programs. This will protect international students and support graduates to accomplish their career goals.

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Updates for International Students by the Australian Government for 2024

Increase in the minimum funds for Australia student visa

Starting 10 May 2024, international students are required to show more proof of savings to qualify for a Student and Student Guardian visa in Australia. The financial capacity requirement has been updated to align with 75 per cent of Australia’s national minimum wage. This measure has been taken to support a minimum standard of living for international students in Australia during their studies.

This step will show that the students have enough funds to cover their airfare, study program fees, and living expenses during their time in Australia – lowering the chances of financial stress.

TOEFL iBT resumed for visa applications

TOEFL iBT is a valid language test for an Australia student visa and is accepted by all the universities in the country. Students who took this test between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be considered valid. Those taken prior to 26 July 2023 will remain valid for two years. The TOEFL iBT test given on or after May 5, 2024 will be accepted. 

The GS requirement replaces the GTE requirement

Applicants for an Australia Student Visa must prove they are genuine applicants for entry. So, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement is intended to include students who, after graduating in Australia, develop skills that the country requires and apply for an Australia PR Visa. permanent residence.

The Australian government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement for student visas. This will be effective for study visa applicants submitted on and after 23 March 2024.

New proof of English proficiency

When applying for an Australia student visa, international students will have to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. Effective 23 March 2024, this English skills requirement will apply to all Student Visa and Temporary Graduate Visa applications.

Upcoming Changes to Australia Student Visa for 2024

The length of post-study work visas will reduce

The Temporary Graduate Visa length will be reduced but will still provide you enough time to accumulate valuable Australian work experience and show your skills to employers in the country. If this work experience is gained in a skilled job, you might qualify to apply for the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa, a clearer pathway to Australian immigration.

The initial stay periods for Indians will remain unchanged as per the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. This change is scheduled to go into effect from 1 July 2024.

New Age Limit for Temporary Graduate Visa

Starting 1 July 2024, the Australian government will reduce the maximum age eligible for Temporary Graduate visa applicants to 35 years or under.

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How to Apply?

Indian students who are planning to apply for an Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) from India must follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Get a Letter of Offer: Apply for a study program in Australia and obtain a Letter of Offer from your chosen education provider.

STEP 2 - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Once you accept the Letter of Offer and pay your deposit, your education provider will issue a CoE, verifying your enrolment in a specific course. You must include a copy of the same in your application.

STEP 3 - Prove English language skills: Applicants of Student Visa and Temporary Graduate Visa applications must prove their fluency in the English language through IELTS/TOEFL iBT/PTE).

STEP 4 - Genuine Student (GS) requirement: Prove you are genuine applicants for entry by meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement and submitting appropriate documents.

STEP 5 - Provide Proof of Funds: Demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your education fees, living expenses, and transportation costs when studying in Australia. Submit bank statements or proof of grants or scholarships. Another option is to submit proof of your parents or partner’s annual income (if married) in the year immediately before you apply.

STEP 6 - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You need to have OSHC for the duration of your stay in Australia. It helps you pay for your hospital or medical bills, prescription meds, and ambulance cover in case of emergencies. If you fail to do so, your student visa application may be rejected.

STEP 7 - Prove you are medically and criminally admissible: Submit a health certificate to show you are in good health to study in Australia and meet character requirements.  

STEP 8 - Apply for the visa online: Carefully go through the requirements for an Australia student visa on the Department of Home Affairs website and apply online using ImmiAccount.

Australian student visa from India processing time is about 3-4 weeks on average.

Seek professional help to apply for Australia student visa from India. Connect with the best immigration consultant In India, Nationwide Visas, equipped with comprehensive knowledge of Australian immigration procedures and help you identify the right college and course in Australia for a successful career ahead.

Get a free consultation session. Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com.

Good Luck!

Read More: Australia to Increase the Minimum Funds Requirement for Student Visa