New Rules for Australia Student Visa 2024
The Australian government has announced new rules for Australia student visa holders. New rules include high scores in English proficiency tests, extended periods of stay post-study, acceptance of educational degrees both in Australia and India, decrease in the number of working hours. Check the below guide to get complete details about what is an Australian student visa, existing rules, new rules, and their effect on the students who are planning to apply for a student visa on or after 1st October 2023
What is an Australian Student Visa?
An Australian student visa allows an individual to study and work at the same time in Australia. As per the new rules for Australia Student Visa, the candidates can work for only 24 hours a week during their course of study. The cost of this visa is AUD710.00 also they can stay for 5 years in a stretch in Australia after they are enrolled. With effect from 1st October 2023, Australia has introduced some new changes in their student visa.
Existing Rules of Australian Student Visa
Check the prevailing rules to get an Australian student visa:
- Candidates must get themselves enrolled in a course in Australia
- The candidates must be a minimum of 6 years or older
- They should have sufficient funds in their bank account to support themselves in Australia
- Proper health insurance is required
New Rules for Australia Student Visa
Check below the new rules for Australia student visas as changed from 25th November 2023:
- Higher Scores in English Proficiency Tests: Candidates from overseas countries will have to secure higher scores in English proficiency tests as there will be more scrutiny on students’ reapplication of Australian student visas, which may lead to prolonged stay. Now, the students will have to score a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS and 6.0 in the case of postgraduate courses. For undergraduate courses, they will have to score 6.0 overall.
- Change in Working Hours: Australia has relaxed the working hours for international students after the COVID-19 pandemic. But this year the working hours for international students have been released with a change. As per the new rules, the students will not be allowed to work only 24 hours a week while studying.
- Accepted Educational Degrees: As per the new requirements of education degrees pursued in Australia will be accepted in India and the degrees pursued in India will be accepted in Australia.
- Introduction of New Visa: The government of Australia will introduce a new visa called skills in demand visa in place of a temporary skill shortage visa.
- Temporary Graduate Visa: Graduates will be able to stay in Australia with Temporary Graduate Visa for:
- 2 years for Bachelor’s Degree (no change)
- 2 years Masters by coursework (reduced from 3 years)
- 3 years for Masters by research (no change)
- 3 years for PhD (reduced from 4 years)
Update to the Financial Capacity Requirement
From 1st October 2023, the financial capacity required by the students and their dependents has been updated. Candidates who will be applying for an Australian student visa from 1st October onwards the candidates will be required to prove their financial capacity. Living costs vary for different places in Australia and they are much higher as compared to the visa cost. They will have to show a minimum balance of $24,505 in their bank account.
Affect on Students for Changes in Australian Visa
Check below the points to know what positive and negative impact it has made on the students:
- The students are now required to get higher scores on English language tests to study in Australia. The candidates will indeed have to work hard to get these high scores but on the other hand, this one-time hard work will make their dream of studying abroad come true.
- Due to the change in working hours, the candidates will have to work for fewer hours now and due to this they will be able to concentrate on their studies more.
- Degrees from both India and Australia will be accepted in both countries. Therefore, the candidates are not required to worry whether their degree will be accepted or not.
- The duration of the post-study work period has been increased. This extension has been done mainly due to the students who are working due to labor shortages. This will allow them to stay for a longer period after their studies are over.
