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

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