The Australian Government released the updated Migration Strategy on 11 December 2023, dealing with various migration concerns. Notably, the Strategy considers the landscape of international students in Australia. This new strategy introduces clear ways for students’ post-study pathways, letting them stay and work in Australia for a while. For some graduates, it might even lead to becoming a permanent resident in Australia, connecting what you study with what you want to do in your career.
While the introduction date for the proposed changes is still uncertain, we have a summary of the changes for international students in Australia.
The key announcement
- Lets you stay and work temporarily, with the possibility of eventually becoming a permanent resident, connecting your education path with your career goals.
- Shift from Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to Genuine Student (GS) test for Student visa (Subclass 500).
- IETLS Requirement Changes: Temporary Graduate visa (6.0 to 6.5); Student visa (5.5 to 6.0); ELICOS (4.5 to 5.0)
- Introduces VET Integrity Unit by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for quality education and training for education providers.
- Introduces New 4-year Skills in Demand visa for individuals gaining skilled employment during post-study work period.
Clear post-study pathways
- Provides opportunities to stay and work in Australia post-graduation for a limited time.
- For some graduates, provides pathways potentially leading to permanent residency based on skills and qualifications.
- Prevents ‘visa hopping’ between different temporary visas that do not offer a pathway to permanent residency.
- Implementation timeline details remain uncertain.
Genuine Student Requirement
- Shift from Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) to Genuine Student (GS) requirement for Student visa (Subclass 500).
- Allows better application process and ensures genuine international students access Australia’s education system.
English Language Requirements
Starting in 2024, the Australian Government plans to increase the English language standards for both the Student visa and the Temporary Graduate visas.
- Increased English language requirements starting in early 2024 (exact commencement date yet to be confirmed) to better assist students in achieving improved learning and employment results.
- Temporary Graduate visa IELTS requirement increases from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent).
- Student visa IELTS requirement moves increases from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent).
- ELICOS IELTS requirement increases from 4.5 to 5.0 or equivalent).
- The requirement for students in university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training remains at IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Stricter requirements for education providers
- Introduction of the VET Integrity Unit by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to uphold high standards in education and training, ensuring students receive top-quality learning experiences.
- Education providers gain more access to education agent data for collaboration with high-quality agents.
- Changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) to strengthen the ‘fit and proper’ provider test for education providers registered to offer programs to international students.
Changes to Temporary Graduate visas (Subclass 485)
- Changes to post-study work rights:
- Masters by coursework students – 3 years to 2 years.
- PhD students – 4 years to 3 years.
- Bachelor’s graduates – 2 years (no change).
- Maximum age lowered to 35 years.
- Transferring back to a Student visa onshore is not allowed.
- Introduction of the new 4-year Skills in Demand visa for those gaining work in a skilled job during the post-study work period.
- Initial stay periods for Indian nationals remain unchanged as per the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Final Thoughts
The new Migration Strategy introduces clear post-study routes, promising highly qualified Australia’s international education program for students. This strategy offers chances for temporary living and working in Australia, and for some people, it might be a step toward becoming a permanent resident.
Since we aren’t certain about the exact commencement of these changes, it’s crucial to stay informed through our updates as the student visa rules progress.
