VETASSESS Assessment Times Reduced VETASSESS announced recently that the advertised time for general and professional skills assessments has been reduced to 10-15 weeks, down from the previous 12-20 weeks. This improvement is thanks to doubling the assessment team to meet the surge in applications following the end of border closures. Reopening of Applications for Specific [...]
Migration Points Test Review: Another Disaster in the Making? Published in The Conversation on June 3, 2024, researchers from the Grattan Institute discussed the need for reforming Australia's points-tested visas for skilled migrants. The paper emphasised the crucial role skilled migrants play in Australia's prosperity by contributing to the economy, society, and productivity. While the [...]
Are Yoga Teachers, Dog Handlers, and Fitness Instructors Really Needed in Australia Over Tradies? Let's talk about Mickey Mouse strategy for a minute. The Australian job market has experienced an unusual twist recently, however the Job and Skills Australia (JSA) proposed draft of Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) that prioritises certain professions for temporary [...]
International student numbers fall amid looming sector caps The Australian government has implemented numerous changes aimed at reducing net overseas migration by approximately 50% by 2024/25. In parallel, Canada has imposed a two-year cap on the number of study permits issued, reducing student numbers by a third, while the UK has raised the skilled [...]
Ongoing debate about “Mickey Mouse” Courses The term "Mickey Mouse courses" resurfaces in the media every so often, typically sparked by political discourse. So where is the catch? Defining a "Mickey Mouse" Course According to the rhetoric, "Mickey Mouse" courses are those where the content lacks the expected rigor, and the degree itself may not [...]
The truth about international students and rental crisis https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/media-releases/international-students-not-to-blame-for-housing-crisis International students, who account for a mere 4% of Australia's rental market, are not to blame for the country's persistent housing crisis, according to a groundbreaking study published by the Student Accommodation Council. The Property Council reported this clarification shortly after widespread concerns were voiced [...]
Is the government planning removal of Business, Management, and Marketing Courses for CRICOS? In December 2023, during his speech at the Edusummit in Sydney, Julian Hill MP announced a significant policy shift: the Australian government is planning to reduce the number of international students enrolled in Business, Management, and Marketing courses. This revelation has [...]
Changes to Labor Market Testing for Sponsorship What Has Changed? In the article, we discuss what employers and skilled visa applicants need to know. From December 11, 2023, employers now need to advertise on only two valid job platforms instead of three. Employers are no longer required to advertise a position on [...]
Education Agent Code of Ethics - Ensuring Ethical Standards Welcome to the Agent Code of Ethics guidebook, a comprehensive resource dedicated to outlining the principles and expectations of fair and ethical conduct for Australia’s offshore and onshore education agents. This guidebook serves as a vital tool for education agents, international students, and partner providers, ensuring [...]
Orientation sessions for international students are a must “Orientation is a pivotal moment in a student’s journey; it can set them on a path to success or, if neglected, lead to significant challenges.” According to the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF), “successful transition into courses of study is achieved through orientation programs tailored [...]
