Australia Revises Visa Rules, IELTS Requirement for International Students

Australia has announced the ‘biggest reforms to migration in a generation’ in its recently issued ‘Migration Strategy’ on December 11. The changes have been announced for international students seeking visas to clamp down on the country's ‘broken’ migration system, which the government is expecting to continue for the next two years. 

The Australian government decided to make changes to the Student Visa requirements in response to a predicted peak in net immigration of 510,000 in 2022–2023, which overseas students mostly drove. 

Following are the top updates international student aspirants must be aware of: 

1.Increased Requirements for English Proficiency Test Scores

The new regulations state that foreign students must now score higher on English language exams and that a student's second visa application, which would extend their stay, will be scrutinized more closely.

• The IELTS test score required for a student visa will increase from 5.5 to 6.0.
• The required IELTS score for the Temporary Graduate Visa will now be 6.5 from 6.0.
• Students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be required to have IELTS 5.5.

2.Post-Study Work Visa

Per the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian aspirants would still be eligible for a post-study work visa. It would vary based on the program. 

Aspirants pursuing bachelor's programs would get up to 2 years. Whereas for masters (coursework & research) students it would be up to 3 years, and PhD holders would get up to 4 years in the major cities. Moreover, STEM graduates with First Class Honors will now be allowed to extend their stays from two years to three.  

Apart from this, Indian students studying in Regional Australian locations can continue to leverage an additional 1–2 years. 

3.Genuine Student Test

A ‘Genuine Student Test’ will be introduced as part of a new migration strategy for all international students. Students will have to take this test before leaving their parent country. This will decrease the spike in visa and immigration scams. 

4.Revised Fund Requirements for Student Visa 

From October 1, 2023, student visa applicants were required to show they possess a minimum of A$24,505 in savings to cover annual living costs. This is a 17% increase on previous levels (A$21,041).

5.Changes for Onshore Students

The Government will restrict Temporary Graduate visa holders from transferring back to student visas while onshore. However, they might introduce a ‘specialist skills pathway’ for applicants earning at least A$1,35,000 annually in any occupation except trade, workers, machinery operation, drivers, and laborers. 

Lastly, Australia previously, in March 2023, announced an ‘Australia-India education qualification recognition mechanism’. Per this new arrangement, degrees obtained in Australia are now recognized in India and vice-versa.