Australia's New Migration Strategy: Strict Requirements for International Students

Australia’s Migration Strategy, unveiled on December 11, 2023, marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to immigration, particularly impacting the international education sector. Dr. Martin Parkinson led the review that prompted these changes, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the migration system.

Key Highlights

Regulation of International Education:

The strategy aims to enhance regulation in international education, introducing more rigorous processes for approving or rejecting foreign student applicants.

Post-Study Work Rights:

Some post-study work rights have been reduced, leading to fewer international students staying in the country for extended periods.

Financial Requirements:

The savings threshold for applicants has been raised by 17% to AUS$24,505.

Genuine Student Test:

To ensure authenticity, a new “Genuine Student Test” will apply to all international students.

English-Language Requirements:

Visa applicants now face higher English-language requirements.

Migration System Rebuilding

The Australian government, in its Migration Strategy, acknowledges the need to rebuild the migration system, aiming to transform it into a nation-building engine.

The reforms are driven by a desire to attract individuals who can contribute to the skills base, boost exports, and raise living standards.

Impact on International Education Sector

While there is no mandated cap on international student numbers, the new policies are expected to reduce their influx by challenging non-genuine students to obtain study and work visas.

Financial requirements for visa applicants have been raised, potentially influencing the AUS$30 billion-per-year international education sector.

Strengthening Integrity in International Education

The Migration Strategy outlines a commitment to strengthening the integrity and quality of international education, targeting completion by the end of 2024. Key actions include:

Measures to Lift Standards

• Increased English Language Requirements: Minimum requirements for student and graduate visas will be raised.
• Scrutiny on High-Risk Applications: High-risk student applications will face additional scrutiny.
• Crackdown on Unscrupulous Providers: Measures to curb unscrupulous education providers.
• Visa Integrity Unit: Strengthening the student visa integrity unit to reduce misuse of the system.

Discouraging Non-Genuine Students

• Genuine Student Test: A new test for all international students to differentiate genuine applicants.
• Visa Processing for High-Risk Providers: Providers at higher risk will experience slower visa processing.

Reducing "Permanent Temporariness"

• Adjusting Post-Study Work Rights: Changes in length and eligibility of post-study work rights.
• Visa Hopping Restrictions: Measures to restrict onshore visa hopping.

Points Test Reforms

Proposed reforms to the points test will provide faster pathways to permanent residency for graduates working in skilled jobs.

Pandemic Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic undermined the system’s integrity, leading to financial challenges for educational institutions.

Policies enacted to bring back international students resulted in a growth partly driven by non-genuine students.

Recommended Read:

Understanding The Genuine Student Test (GST): A Comprehensive Guide For International Students In Australia

International Comparison

Australia’s migration reforms align with international trends. Canada and the UK have also introduced stricter measures to regulate international education and migration.

In conclusion, Australia’s Migration Strategy signifies a paradigm shift, emphasizing integrity, quality, and sustainability in international education and migration.

Stakeholders in the sector are urged to adapt to these changes for the continued prosperity of Australia’s education system.

FAQ’S

1. How will the Genuine Student Test impact international students?

Answer: The test aims to differentiate genuine applicants, incentivizing them while signalling that most students are expected to return home.

2. FAQ: What changes are expected in English-language requirements for Australian visas?

Answer: The requirements will be raised, increasing the IELTS score for Temporary Graduate and Student Visas.

3. FAQ: How does Australia plan to discourage “permanent temporariness” in student visas?

Answer: Adjustments to post-study work rights, visa hopping restrictions, and points test reforms are introduced.