Study in Australia: The New Visa Changes Won’t Affect Indian Students

Australia-Indian agreement between the two countries means that Indian students will be spared from most of the changes to post-study job privileges in Australia.

The time period that fixed foreign students can remain in Australia on a temporary graduate visa has been cut short following the implementation of Australia’s most recent migration strategy. 

Now PhD candidates will be eligible for three years rather than four, while those who earned a Master’s degree through coursework will be eligible for two years instead of three years. 

New Migration Strategy Will Not Supersede the Indo-Australian Agreement

After the initial post-study job policies were codified in the conditions of an Australia-India free trade agreement, which was finalized at the end of 2022. This agreement will not be superseded by the new migration strategy, therefore Indian students will continue to be qualified for extended post-study work visas. 

Indians Secured The Number Of Study Visa

On the other hand, more Australian study visas were awarded to Indians in 2022–2023 than to any other nationality. The ability to apply for a second temporary graduate visa will not alter, but there won’t be a second two-year extension. This holds true for all overseas learners, including those from India. 

To make sure that the new directives do not apply to current international students who may have chosen to study in Australia in part because of the nation’s generous post-study job policies, some in the industry, including AAERI members, have asked for “exemption” of the new regulations. 

With the approval of a system for the mutual recognition of qualifications in March and the release of an education strategy for the two nations in November, the Australian government is placing a greater emphasis on its educational ties with India.

For more such visa and immigration news and daily news updates follow Leverage Edu and start your study abroad journey today!