Changes and New Laws for Australian Student Visas in 2024
Australia has introduced several changes and new laws regarding student visas in 2024 to ensure the integrity of its international education system and address various economic and social needs. Here are the key updates:
Migravo consultant - Sampath Bandaranayake
7/1/20242 min read
New Financial Requirements
Starting from May 10, 2024, the financial capacity requirement for Student and Student Guardian visas has been increased to AUD 29,710 for an individual student. This change aims to ensure that international students have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia (Study Australia).
Genuine Student Requirement
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, effective from March 23, 2024. This new requirement includes targeted questions that provide visa decision-makers with detailed information about the applicant's intent and preparedness to study in Australia. This change is part of efforts to ensure that applicants are genuinely committed to their educational goals in Australia (Study Australia) (Ministers' Media Centre).
Work Restrictions
As of July 1, 2023, student visa holders are restricted to working a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. This rule helps students maintain a balance between their studies and work commitments. However, those working in the aged care sector as of May 9, 2023, can continue to work unrestricted hours in that sector until December 31, 2023 (Immigration and citizenship Website).
Onshore Visa Application Restrictions
From July 1, 2024, holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, will no longer be able to apply for Student visas while in Australia. Instead, they must apply for their Student visas from outside the country. This measure aims to reduce the practice of "visa hopping," where individuals continuously extend their stay in Australia through various visa types (Study Australia).
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Amendment
The ESOS Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 introduces stricter regulations for education agents and providers. The bill includes provisions to prevent unscrupulous practices among education agents, such as poaching students to switch courses or institutions. It also mandates that new education providers must deliver courses to domestic students for two years before they can enroll international students, ensuring better quality and oversight (Ministers' Media Centre).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
Changes have been made to the duration of post-graduation work permits for graduates of specific programs. For instance, graduates of master's degree programs less than two years in length can now obtain a three-year PGWP, aligning with the work experience requirements needed to apply for permanent residency (Study Australia).
Conclusion
These changes reflect Australia's commitment to maintaining high standards in its international education sector while addressing economic needs and ensuring the welfare of international students. Prospective students should stay informed about these updates to ensure a smooth application process and a successful educational experience in Australia.
For more detailed information, visit the official Study Australia and Home Affairs websites.
