Australia has long been a dream study destination for many international students, attracted by its high-quality education system, safe living environment, and attractive career opportunities. However, recent changes in Australia’s visa application policies have raised concerns among international students. This article by Study Abroad SET will provide detailed information about the changes in study abroad policies and guide you on how to overcome the challenges to realize your dream of studying in Australia.

The Australian government is implementing significant changes to student visa regulations to maintain its position as a top destination for higher education, aiming to enhance integrity and improve the quality of international education programs. This is intended to ensure the welfare of students and provide the best possible study experience in Australia. Additionally, it supports various post-graduation programs so that students can effectively use their qualifications in their careers.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES IN POLICIES?

Higher English proficiency requirements:

For Student Visa (Subclass 500):

• You must meet the IELTS score requirement (or equivalent certificates), which has been raised from 5.5 to 6.0.
• For students starting English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), the IELTS score requirement (or equivalent certificates) has been raised from 4.5 to 5.0.

For Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):

• English proficiency tests must be conducted within 12 months before visa application.
• The minimum IELTS score requirement (or equivalent certificates) has been raised from 6.0 to 6.5.
• From 01/07/2024, the age limit to apply for Subclass 485 visa will be reduced from 50 to 35 years old. This opens up opportunities for young individuals to gain more experience and build their careers in Australia.

More rigorous assessments:

From 23/03/2024, the visa application process for Subclass 500 will officially replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student Test (GST) (except for guardian visas).

This new test is designed to assess whether applicants genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for study purposes. GST replaces the requirement previously applicable to Temporary Graduate applicants. It aims to differentiate and prioritize individuals whose primary purpose is studying rather than working and staying for unjustifiable reasons.

Changes in visa stream names:

• Graduate Work stream renamed to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.
• Post-Study Work stream renamed to Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• Second Post-Study Work stream renamed to Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
• The Replacement stream will be discontinued.

Increased financial requirements:

From May 10, 2024, Australia has mandated an increase in the minimum savings requirement for obtaining a student visa to cover annual living costs. Students are now required to demonstrate savings of AUD 29,710, an increase of 21% from AUD 24,505 in October 2023.

Reduced post-graduation extension periods:

Previously, Australia extended the work visa period for university graduates, master’s, and doctoral students in priority fields to stay for 4-6 years depending on their level of study. According to recent announcements from the Australian Department of Education, from July 1, 2024, this period will be reduced back to 2-3 years. However, for those aiming to study and settle in Australia, students and parents can consider selecting potential, high-demand careers in the country, such as Registered Nurse, Teacher, etc.

CHALLENGES ARISING FROM POLICY CHANGES:

• More rigorous visa approval processes: The Australian government will scrutinize factors such as financial capability, study aspirations, and study plans of visa applicants more closely.
• Intensified competition: With expanded study opportunities, the number of international students coming to Australia will increase, leading to more intense competition for study visas and enrollment in prestigious universities.
• Higher English language requirements: New policies may require higher English proficiency levels for international students, posing a challenge, particularly for Vietnamese students who often struggle with English language proficiency.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• Expand study opportunities: New policies allow international students to study at more educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and vocational education organizations. This expands options for students to find programs that fit their needs and career aspirations more easily.
• Financial burden alleviation: The Australian government and universities continue to offer favorable conditions for international students, especially from Vietnam, with many attractive scholarship policies. This helps reduce financial burdens, especially in high-demand fields facing labor shortages in Australia, with special regimes and benefits for international students studying with high-value research scholarships for specific industries such as Health, Pharmacy, Technology, etc.
• Enhance education quality: New policies also focus on improving the quality of education in Australia. Universities and colleges are required to meet stricter standards to ensure students receive high-quality education, which is increasingly recognized worldwide, opening doors for graduates to easily seek employment not only in Australia but also in other developed countries.

GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES:

Alongside understanding policy changes by preparing thoroughly and staying informed, students can maximize opportunities and overcome challenges to succeed in their study abroad journey. To navigate through the challenges of the new policies, students can apply the following strategies:

• Choose the right course: Set clear goals and plan your study abroad journey early. Research suitable courses that align with your interests, career goals, and Australian labor market demands.
• Improve English proficiency: Prepare for the IELTS and achieve a minimum score of 6.0 or higher.
• Prepare complete documentation: Ensure your visa application includes all necessary documents and meets all requirements.
• Financial preparation: Prepare adequate financial capacity to meet living and tuition costs as required by the Australian government. Parents and students should be guided on the pathway and plan their study abroad early to be best prepared for document requirements, academic qualifications, financial capabilities and mitigate the risk of visa denial.
• Demonstrate clear study intentions: In your visa application, clearly demonstrate your study goals and aspirations, including why you chose Australia, the course you are pursuing, and your detailed post-graduation plans.

In addition to self-study, you can seek assistance from reputable consulting units to design a suitable study plan for yourself and ensure no or minimal risks during the study visa application process. Study Abroad SET, proud to be a reputable unit with 20 years of experience, is the bridge of education between Vietnam and Australia. The office system is always unified in both countries to provide the best support for students – students feel comfortable seeking knowledge in Australia with services such as school selection consultation, field selection, support after entry, … etc

Contact SET EDUCATION now via hotline 0403 518 718 or leave your information right in the chatbox to design your unique study plan today!