Australia’s Student Visa: A Growing Concern Australia’s student visa application costs have soared, refusal rates are at their peak, and now significant legislation is being prepared to limit the number of enrolments to education providers on an individual course level.  Stricter Immigration Policies The current announcement of student caps comes amid a series of stricter

Opinion on Student Caps: Crossroads for the Australian International Education Sector Australia has long been heralded as a prime destination for international students, offering top-tier education and a culturally enriching experience. However, the recent announcement of student caps poses a serious questionmark not only to the higher education sector but also to the broader sentiment

Australian Government introduced enrolment limits for international students Starting in 2025, the Australian Government will impose enrolment limits on new overseas students as part of its ongoing efforts to manage the international education sector. This significant policy shift will see the Department of Education implementing specific data definitions that underpin these limits, aimed at maintaining

Australia’s Cap on International Enrolments, Ministerial Direction 107 and ESOS Bill Senate inquiry   The proposed amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which include capping the number of international students allowed into Australia and granting new ministerial powers to limit the number of students in individual university courses, have faced harsh

The importance of online communities for international students In today’s globalised world, international education has become a cornerstone of cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and economic development. As universities and colleges worldwide welcome students from diverse backgrounds, providing adequate support to international students has become a crucial aspect of fostering a positive educational experience. One powerful

Rights and Responsibilities of International Students in Australia Australia is a popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education, diverse cultures, and a vibrant lifestyle. However, studying in a foreign country comes with a set of rights and responsibilities that students must understand to ensure a successful and safe experience.  This article outlines the key

Are we witnessing a change for Higher Education globally?  Recent changes in international education policies across the UK, Canada, and Australia raise an unsettling question: Are these governments intentionally undermining higher education as a sector? With universities traditionally being high-income, low-tax entities, coupled with a growing shift towards short courses, online delivery, and micro-credentials, it

Do We Really Need Caps on International Students in Australia? Australia has undergone nine significant changes to its student migration rules over the past year. Now, as the Senate prepares to review a controversial piece of legislation aimed at capping international student numbers from next year, the question arises: Is this cap truly necessary? The

In recent months, the Australian government’s decision to limit international student enrollments at universities and colleges has sparked intense debate. Under this new policy, educational institutions are restricted to having no more than 40% of their student body comprised of overseas students, with these caps based on 2019 enrollment numbers. While proponents argue that this

  Your guide to Australian visa changes for 2024   As part of the Migration Strategy released in December 2023 the Government announced a number of reforms to the international education system in an attempt to support genuine international students applying for a student visa to Autralia. We have prepared a summary of the key

Australia’s education minister has confirmed plans to cap international student enrollments. Draft Framework and has moved to the legislative implementation phase through the introduction of the ESOS Amendment Bill.   The caps on international student enrollments for Australia’s institutions are expected to be calculated over the next three months, as stated by Education Minister Jason

Opinion: The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024: A Misguided Approach?   Submissions to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 [Provisions] closed on 1 July. So far, 64 submissions have been published.    From my experience, the practicalities

Current Situation of the International Education Industry in Australia   Who is the victim here? The international education sector in Australia has long been a vibrant part of the nation’s economy and cultural fabric. However, recent developments have raised significant concerns about the treatment and experience of international students. As we delve into the current

  New student visa fees, visa processing priorities and timeframes   The government has announced, without any prior notice or industry consultation, a steep hike in student visa fees from 1 July 2024 to a staggering AUD$1,600.    As per Minister’s statement: “This increase reflects the increasing value of education in Australia and reflects the

International education is entering a new phase   After recent changes to the immigration policy, many are predicting challenging times for Australia’s international student market. After being hit with the pandemic, the 408 visa disaster, and sudden visa refusals, the reputation of Australia’s international education sector has tarnished.   Effective from 1 July 2024, Australia

International education in Australia – Update June 2024   Visa Grant Decline in 2024 The latest data release from the Australian government reveals a significant drop in study visa grants to offshore applicants. A total of 74,421 study visas were granted from January through April 2024, marking a nearly 30% decline from the 104,808 granted

New restrictions for student visas in Australia Are these changes really useful? Secrecy and late-night announcements without any transition period seem to be the recent modus operandi in relation to the international education industry.    Any business operating within this sector requires periods for transition, notice to clients and regulators, and consideration of various compliance

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