According to the Australian migration report, more than 75,000 international students have applied for Australian student visa from September 2013. This tremendous figure shows that Australia is turning out to be the hotspot for international students to study and work. During the first decade itself, the country has become favorites among international students. With nearly 500,000 students from other country migrated to study in Australia. However, later due to racial attack issue on Asians, it did face some flak and the number came down. But with the current improving scenario, the country seems to be back on track.
There are certain migration rules in Australia for overseas students which keep changing. Presently, there has been a new rule amended where financial requirements for student visas will be eased and applicants will need about 36,000 dollars less in their bank account than they do now. In addition to this, new post study work visa will also allow students to remain in Australia for 4yrs once the course ends.
User Review
( votes)Some other changes implemented in immigration are:
-Discontinuing pre-visa assessment policy speed up visa processing.
-Allowing prepaid homestay fees to be included in the financial requirements assessment for a student visa.
-English language students can apply for a visa without first meeting minimum English skills requirements
Simplified System
There has been a major change that has simplified the process of visa. Students wishing to study at degree level will now be treated as they were at lower assessment level. This level also depends on the student’s country origin, according to which they will be assessed.
Better Employment Future
The migration rules also states that graduates from Australian universities are now allowed to work more than 3 yrs. In addition to this, students who have completed master’s or PhD are allowed to work for 4 yrs. The working hour limits have also increased, which previously was 20 hrs.
Making Entrance Exam Alternate Option
Australian government recently announced that entrance exam TOEFL, IBT and PTE academic as alternative English Language tests for Australian visa programmes. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic tests have been accepted for the Student visa programme since 2011. The department has also decided that from November 2014, it will accept test scores from the TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic tests of migrants intending to submit an Expression of Interest through Skill Select.
Requirements For Student Visa In Australia
In order to get the student visa for Australia, there are certain requirements which students needs to satisfy which includes- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and Genuine Student.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) – This program was introduced to improve integrity of student visa. In order to satisfy requirement, the applicant need to satisfy DIAC and show to have genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily, for the purpose of study or to accompany a student as a dependent or guardian. Certain factors to consider are:
-Applicant’s potential circumstances in Australia
-Value of the course to the applicant’s future
-Applicant’s immigration history
English Proficiency Requirement
Student applying for Australia visa needs to demonstrate appropriate English language proficiency. Assessment Level 1 and 2 applicants must meet English requirements specified by their provider whilst Assessment Level 3 and 4 applicants are required to provide DIAC with evidence of their English language proficiency. Tests that is applicable to show English proficiency are- IELTS, TOEFL IBT and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE).
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a kind of insurance assisting international students meeting the costs of medical and hospital care in Australia. Moreover, it will also cover benefits for pharmaceuticals and ambulance service. Students need to provide evidence for proposed duration of their student visa.
Current Approved OSHC Provides
-Australian Health Management
-Medibank Private
-NIB OSHC
Streamlining The Visa For Vocational Students
Presently, Australian government has changed the streamlined visa processing (SVP) for vocational students enrolled for diploma level course under low immigration risk. With this streamlining of visa application process for advanced diploma courses will benefit eligible students through simpler and faster visa processing. This will also help eligible education providers in Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and higher education sector to directly access SVP.