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Read about some changes introduced to the Australian education system

FAQ

Read about some changes introduced to the Australian education system

Last week the Federal Government introduced new measures to the Australian education system. These new measures are aimed at protecting international students and the integrity of the system itself and involve government agencies, educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and international students.

Here are some specific actions taken by Australia to combat rorts in international education:

  1. The Government has closed a loophole that allowed education providers to shift international students from university courses to private colleges, so they could work instead of study.

Under these changes, and for the moment, international students will no longer be allowed to move from a University to a vocational course until six months into their study.

  1. The Federal Government is taking strong measures against this type of malicious behaviour, in order to avoid fraudulent procedures and against education providers that the government itself has called “predators”, that attack both students and the education system which is so highly valued in the country.

For those reasons, additional scrutiny will be applied to high-risk education providers, with extra documentation required to prevent fraud in applications.

  1. The Government will also consider using its never-before-used powers under Section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) to issue suspension notices to high-risk providers, meaning that they would be unable to recruit international students into their courses.
  1. The Federal Government will also increase the amount of savings that international students will need in order to get a student visa, so students do not fall victim to exploitation as they need to chase urgent employment.

This requirement has not been indexed since 2019 and needs to increase to reflect the current high cost of living. From 1 October, international students will need to show evidence of $24,505 in savings, a 17% increase from the current figure.

By implementing these measures and maintaining a strong commitment to quality education and student welfare, Australia aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for international students, while reducing the risks of fraudulent practices that compromise the system.

Source:

https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/action-end-rorts-international-education

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/26/fraudulent-course-providers-face-closure-in-labors-international-education-crackdown

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Visa options Australia

There are many different types of visas available for individuals looking to travel to or reside in Australia. Some of the most common options include:

  • Tourist visa: Allows individuals to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three, six or 12 months.
  • Work visa: Allows individuals to work in Australia temporarily, usually for a specific employer or in a specific occupation. Examples include the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Working Holiday visa.
  • Study visa: Allows individuals to study in Australia for a specific period of time.
  • Skilled visa: Allows individuals with certain skills and qualifications to work and live in Australia permanently. Examples include the Skilled Independent visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.
  • Family visa: Allows individuals to join their family members who are already living in Australia.
  • Business visa: Allows individuals to conduct business in Australia, such as attending meetings or negotiating deals.

It is important to note that the specific requirements, conditions, and processing times for each visa type can vary and one should check for the specific details for each visa at the official website of the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.

Study Visa

A study visa, also known as a student visa, allows individuals to study in Australia for a specific period of time. To be eligible for a study visa, individuals must have been accepted into a full-time course of study at an institution in Australia that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Additionally, individuals must meet certain English language proficiency requirements and have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course fees.

There are a few different types of study visas available, including the:

  • Student visa (subclass 500) : This is the most common type of study visa, allowing individuals to study full-time in Australia for the duration of their course.
  • Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) : This visa is for individuals who want to stay in Australia to provide care and support to a student who is under 18 years of age and studying in Australia on a student visa.
  • Training visa (subclass 407) : This visa allows individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia.

It is important to note that all study visas include a condition to maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia and to comply with the visa conditions and Australian laws.

It is also important to note that the processing time for a study visa varies and it’s advisable to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs, Australia for the most up-to-date information and to check the specific requirements for each type of study visa.

Training Visa

The Training visa (subclass 407) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa is suitable for individuals who are looking to improve their skills in their current occupation, or gain new skills for an occupation that is in demand in Australia. It is also suitable for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience in their field of study or to undertake a professional development program.

To be eligible for a Training visa, individuals must be sponsored by an approved sponsor, such as an Australian business or organization. The sponsor must provide evidence of the training program, including details of the training, the qualifications of the trainer, and the training outcomes. The individual must also meet certain health and character requirements, and must have enough money to support themselves while in Australia.

The Training visa is usually valid for the duration of the training program, up to a maximum of two years. It’s also important to note that the visa holder is not allowed to work except for work related to their training or professional development. They are allowed to work for the sponsor or the host organisation, but not to work for any other employer unless they have a permission.

It is advisable to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs, Australia for the most up-to-date information to check the specific requirements for the Training visa (subclass 407) and to also check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the visa conditions and Australian laws.

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