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

Leveraging social media to promote to international students   In the age of digital transformation, colleges must adopt innovative marketing strategies to attract international students. Social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting with international students. Each platform has unique features, audience demographics, and algorithms that can be leveraged to create effective marketing strategies.

TSMIT  increased to $73,150 from 1 July 2024   The Australian Government is clearly a gift that does not stop giving.    In another blitz announcement, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been increased to $73,150 for applications lodged after 1 July 2024.    While this may not seem like a significant increase

Important Notice for Visa Applicants   As we are seeing many visa refusals for various reasons, whether genuine or not, there is still time for applicants to act if their visa decision is still pending. You have the option to either provide additional information or withdraw your application. For those who are onshore, we strongly

Leveraging Technology in College Admissions   Education providers often rely on people – their staff or education agents to manage the recruitment and admission of international students, expanding their global reach and diversity. Human error and bias are inherent in the use of agents, which raises concerns about transparency, student interests, and the admissions process’s

The changing role of an education agent   I have been a part of the international education industry since 2002, and have witnessed significant changes in the landscape of international education, particularly in the role of education agents.   Historically, education agents were valued for complementing information with wisdom, empathy, and encouragement throughout the student’s

Student visa refused or cancelled – What is Section 48 bar?   If you have had a visa cancelled or refused since last arriving in Australia and you are either unlawful (that is – you do not hold a visa) or you hold a bridging visa, you are then in what is called “section 48

What is happening with the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?   Since the budget release, there have been questions about what’s happening with the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). It seems the 189 Visa is slowly being deactivated and many people fear what the future brings and their chances of receiving invitations since the government

Advice for International Students and Their Agents: Navigating Australia’s Migration Program   The federal government recently announced Australia’s permanent migration program planning levels for the next financial year, setting it at 185,000 places. However, they also proposed a decrease in student visa grants to 260,000 per annum. Given these changes, it’s crucial for international students

Guide to Genuine Student Requirement for Australian Student Visas Introduction The Australian Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for student visas, effective from March 23, 2024. This new requirement applies to all student visa applications lodged on or after this date.    Understanding the Genuine Student

Understanding the Process of AAT Review for Refused Student Visas   Navigating the visa application process can be challenging, and receiving a refusal for a student visa can be disheartening. However, if an application has been refused, and the application was lodge in Australia, there is an option to request a review from the Administrative

Australian Student Visa: Requirements, Eligibility, Application Process and Fees update May, 2024   Over the past twenty years, Australia has become a popular travel destination, primarily because of its favorable lifestyle, close proximity to Asia, and high level of safety. The majority of students choose to pursue their education in Australia as their academic destination.

Australia’s visa landscape is set to undergo significant changes, particularly concerning the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the 485 Temporary Graduate visa. These changes aim to address the evolving needs of Australia’s labor market and the ongoing assessment of skill shortages. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming modifications and what they mean

Opinion: Is ownership of education agents the real issue?   The latest amendment to the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) Act proposes a significant change: preventing the owners of education agents from also owning an education provider.    This move, aimed at eliminating potential conflicts of interest, has stirred considerable debate. On the surface,