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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 23rd March 2024.
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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 23rd March 2024, 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
Starting from 23rd March 2024, new rules have been introduced for student visa applicants. These rules apply for any every new application submitted for studying in Australia
The GTE replacement with GS
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria has been replaced with Genuine Student (GS). Under the GTE students had to explain in 300 words why they wanted to stay in Australia temporarily. Under the new rule, you need to be a genuine student. You will be asked a few questions that you need to answer. Therefore, you may have to explain the reasons for choosing the particular university, or course.
Minimum English Language Requirements
The minimum English requirement has been increased. Now, you need at least 6.0 in the IELTS examination to obtain a student visa. Those applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) need to secure at least a 6.5 IELTS score. Moreover, the validity period of the test scores has been decreased from 3 years to 1 year.
Finances Required for Stay:
The financial requirement has been increased from AUD 24,505 TO AUD 29710. This is a 21% increase from the previous amount. The changes have been effective since 1st July 2024.
Condition of ‘No Further Stay’
International students can no longer apply for another visa after completing their studies in Australia. This means that you cannot apply for a work visa or a PR. (except under certain conditions). Therefore, to apply for a work visa, you will have to exist the country, return to your home country, and then apply for another visa. A Visa extension is permitted if you have the necessary skills to work in a profession listed under the Skilled occupations category.
Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand visa will now replace the Temporary Skills Shortage visa (Subclass 482). This visa provided 3 main pathways for workers. That is, the Essential Skills Pathway, Core Skills Pathway, and Specialist Skills Pathway. Those who have completed their studies can apply for a visa in this category.
Check to Australia Work Visa: Types, Requirements, Cost
Update to the Financial Capacity Requirement
From 23rd March 2024, the financial capacity required by the students and their dependents has been updated. Candidates who will be applying for an Australian student visa from 23rd March 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 AUD 29710 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.
- The minimum bank balance needed has been increased. Therefore, you need to have more finances to study in Australia.
- You will not be able to apply for a work visa after completing your studies (unless you possess the skills to work in a role listed under the skilled occupations). You will have to come back to Indian and then apply for a work visa.
- Instead of applying for a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa you need to apply for the new Skills in Demand visa. You can apply for this visa after completing your studies in Australia.
Know About Australia Student Visa: Subclass 500 Visa
FAQs
As per the changes on 23rd March 2024 applicants holding Australian student visas need to score higher for English proficiency test, need more funds to study in Australia, and cannot apply for a new visa category after completing their studies
From 23rd March 2024,, student visa applicants will be required to show a minimum of AUD 29710 in savings in their bank accounts to cover their expenses.
The success rate for Australian student visas is 23.3%. There are several reasons for Australian student visas due to several reasons.
We hope you now understand what are the new rules of Australian student visas, and the effects on students due to these changes. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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