Australian Study Visa Rules are Changing – Here’s What You Need to Know
- Written by Asian Spectator
Australia’s Student Visa, (subclass 500) let’s you study in Australia while working up to 48 hours per fortnight. It gives you a pathway to extensions of up to five years, and pathways to working visas, and even permanent residence. These visas are currently under review. How will this impact your chances of studying in Australia?
Greater Requirements for Offshore Applicants
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Offshore applicants now need to provide a Confirmation of Enrollment with your visa application. This can mean paying a deposit on an Australian course before you have secured the visa.
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The Genuine Student Requirement includes a series of questions that require a minimum of 150 words written response justifying your request to study in Australia. You’ll be required to provide supporting documentation covering previous study, employment, immigration history and financial information.
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From May 10, 2024, applicants must provide proof of your financial capacity to study in Australia, this has increased to AUD $27,710 for a single student.
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Applicants must complete a TOEFL iBT English proficiency test
Greater Scrutiny on Registered Training Organisations
Australia’s regulatory bodies, ASQA and National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (NVR) have issued stricter Outcome Standards and Compliance Standards for Registered Training Organisations.
These changes will raise the compliance standards for Registered Training Organisations and ultimately combat the growing instances of “fake courses”.
“After twenty years in industry regulation, compliance and project management, I can say with great confidence that this review is long overdue. The mark of a quality Registered Training Organisation is a focus on how the qualification will ultimately benefit the student. Unfortunately for too long, RTOs have been focused solely on enrollment numbers.” Said Ben Klatt, CEO of Skills Recognition International.
Rush on Applications Resulting in Delays
With the May 10th deadline for proof of greater financial capacity, visa processing is slow. Among the changes was a priortising system for visa processing, meaning some “low priority” students are waiting months for an answer.
“Ultimately, Registered Training Organisations have the power to grant nationally recognised certifications, including offering students Recognition of Prior Learning. Ensuring that a graduate has the skills to do a job is the responsibility of that RTO.” Said Ben Klatt.
