Australia has always been a leading education destination for international students. World-class universities, diverse curriculum, and a rich cultural experience attract students. However, recently the Australian government has announced significant changes in the student visa rules, which will come into effect from May 23, 2024. These changes will not only affect the visa application process but also the post-study opportunities in Australia for students.
In this article, we will discuss in detail these new policies, their potential impact, and their importance for students.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) replaced by Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)
The biggest change in Australia’s new student visa rules is that “Genuine Temporary Entrant” (GTE) will be replaced by “Genuine Student Requirement” (GSR).
Differences between GTE and GSR:
- GTE:
o The GTE was intended to ensure that students were genuinely coming to Australia to study, and not just to obtain a visa. It took into account students’ personal circumstances, prior education, their potential future in Australia, and their intention to return to their home country.
- GSR:
o GSR, which will replace GTE, has a similar aim, but with a greater emphasis on students’ commitment to their studies and their educational goals. Under GSR, students must prove that they genuinely want to come to Australia to study, and that their visa application is with the intention to successfully complete their studies.
o The application process under GSR will require students to provide more detail about their educational background, their seriousness about studying, and their future plans.
Possible impacts
- Challenges for students:
o The introduction of GSR will require students to plan their studies and careers more seriously. They must prove that they are fully prepared to study in Australia and have a clear educational and career plan.
o This rule may be challenging for students who do not have a clear career plan or who cannot clearly demonstrate educational objectives in their application.
- Strictness of application process:
o The implementation of GSR will make the visa application process even more stringent. This may also impact the acceptance rate of applications, especially for students whose applications lack clarity and educational objectives.
- Changes in English language requirements
Australia has also announced changes to the English language requirements required for student visas. English language proficiency is an important part of the visa application process, and changing its standards may impact the visa application process for students.
Existing and new standards:
- Existing standards:
o Currently, most universities and education institutions require students to have a minimum score on IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized English language tests. This ensures that students can effectively understand and complete their course in Australia.
- New standards:
o Under the new rules, it is likely that the minimum English language score requirement will be made more stringent. In addition, some courses and institutions may have specific English proficiency requirements, which may require students to improve their linguistic abilities.
Possible impacts:
- Higher standard required:
o Students may now be required to have a higher standard of English proficiency score. This may be challenging for students who are not as fluent in the English language and will require additional preparation.
- Impact on application process:
o The new English language standards may make the visa application process more difficult, particularly for students with limited English skills. This could potentially delay the application process or increase the rate of application rejections.
- Reduction in the duration of Post-Study Work Visa
Australia has also recently announced a reduction in the duration of the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). PSWV is granted to students who have completed their degree in Australia, and it provides them with an opportunity to work in Australia.
Existing and New Rules:
- Existing Rules:
o Currently, the duration of a Post-Study Work Visa generally ranges between two to four years, depending on the student’s educational qualification and degree level. For PhD holders, the duration can range from three to four years.
- New Rules:
o Under the new rules, the duration of PSWV will be reduced. While the exact duration of this reduction has not been clarified yet, it is being speculated that this change may create challenges for students, especially those who wish to obtain permanent residency after working in Australia.
Potential impact:
- Reduced opportunities:
o Reduction in the duration of PSWV may result in fewer opportunities for students to work in Australia. This may make it difficult for students to gain experience in Australia and meet the qualifications required for permanent residence.
- Increased competition:
o Reduction in the duration of the visa may increase competition in the search for work, which may make it difficult for students to get a suitable job. Moreover, it may also be a challenge for students who already have plans for permanent residence.
- Skills in Demand Visa: A New Possibility
Although reduction in the duration of PSWV may be a challenge, Australia has introduced a new “Skills in Demand” visa, which may open up a new possibility for students.
New Visa and its Importance:
- Skills in Demand Visa:
o Skills in Demand visa is a new four-year visa, which is exclusively for those who have gained skilled job experience during the post-study work visa. Under this visa, eligible students will have the opportunity to work longer in Australia and obtain permanent residence.
- India-Australia Cooperation and Trade Agreement:
o With this visa, Indian students can get special benefits under the India-Australia Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which can make it easier for them to obtain permanent residence in Australia. This agreement also strengthens the trade and cultural ties between Australia and India.
Possible Impact:
- New opportunities:
o With the Skills in Demand visa, students will have the opportunity to work longer in Australia and further develop their skills. This can give students a clear and organized path to obtain permanent residence.
- Increased attractiveness:
o This new visa can make Australia even more attractive to international students, especially for those students who want to work in high-skill fields and are looking for permanent residence.
- Overall impact of the changing rules
The overall impact of these new rules in Australia could be a mix of challenges and opportunities for international students.
