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

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