The Australian government has made changes to its visa rules to enhance the efficiency of the student influx.The Australian government’s amendments have made it more challenging for international students to obtain student visas in Australia. (Henley and Partners)
By Prabhul Ravindran
Australia has world-class universities. These attract many students worldwide. There are 3,000 PTE test takers surveyed. 90% feel welcome. 70% want to stay. 80% say Australia met their expectations. So it is not surprising that many young Indians study in Australia. It is important to follow the visa rules while applying. Students need to know about the current changes. The aim of the government is to optimise educational quality. However, new visa rules are stricter now. Indian students are the second-largest group in Australia. Indian students enrolled went from 100,009 in 2022 to 122,000 by September 2023. This shows how students are interested in studying in Australia.
Major Modifications
Australia needs a visa. Stay out in the country. Want real students only. Fees for the visa are very high. Must pay AUD 1,600. If over 18 people pay AUD 1,445. Those under 18 pay AUD 390. Show money with at least AUD 29,710. There are costs like living expenses. There are fare and study fees. Temp Graduate visa age is 35 now.
Students get less time to work after their studies. Must have a good grasp of English. New language tests are there for visas. Good speaking ensures students can do the course work.
Navigating Challenges
The government is toughening rules, but it won’t prevent talented students from studying abroad. The students must prepare well in advance and meet all eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa.
Apply Early: Visa applications must be submitted early enough to allow for necessary document collection and to deal with any unforeseen eventualities.
Provide Financial Proof: There have been changes in the financial requirements, so students should ensure they gather all requisite documents proving their ability to pay tuition and living expenses in Australia.
Focus on English Proficiency: The government demands better English proficiency and students must work hard to improve their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. They should also take the Pearson Test of English which is popular among Indians who want to study in Australia.