Australia Modifies Student Visa Policies

The Australian government has intensified its measures concerning international students wishing to enter the country.

A recent directive, effective from Friday, mandates that students must show savings of at least A$29,710 to qualify for a visa, marking the second increase in about seven months. The previous adjustment raised the requirement from A$21,041 to A$24,505 in October.

Read more: Australia Now Accepts TOEFL Scores For Visas

These alterations, often seen as ‘anti-immigration’, are in response to the government’s aim to tighten student visa regulations. The surge in entrants following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 strained rental accommodations, prompting the need for stricter rules.

In March this year, the government raised English language proficiency requirements to further curb the influx and deter attempts to prolong stays by circumventing regulations.

In addition to the financial requirement increase, 34 education providers received warning letters regarding “non-genuine or exploitative recruitment practices.”

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized the potential penalties for institutions found engaging in misconduct, asserting that dishonest providers tarnish the reputation of the international education sector.

It’s notable that international students face resistance in various countries. The UK government has restricted international students from bringing dependents with few exceptions, while Canada plans to reduce international student numbers by 35 percent compared to 2023.