Australian Visa : In a significant move to ensure the well-being of international students and enhance the integrity of its education system, the Australian Government recently declared an alteration to its student visa requirements. Starting from October 1, 2023, foreign students seeking to study in Australia will need to provide evidence of A$24,505 ($15,693) in savings. This financial threshold reflects a 17% increase from the previous requirement and is designed to cover living and study costs during the initial year of their education journey.
The decision to revise the financial prerequisite was announced alongside other measures to safeguard the interests of genuine international students. One of the notable changes involves the cessation of the “concurrent study” rule, which permitted students to enroll in multiple courses simultaneously. This rule, originally intended to prepare students for employment through short-term courses, has been misused, leading to investigations and concerns about the sector’s credibility.
Minister Jason Clare emphasized the importance of this adjustment, stating, “This modification will effectively curtail predatory ‘second’ providers from enrolling students before they have fulfilled the requisite six months of study at their initial provider.” The objective is to prevent unethical practices and ensure students are well-supported throughout their academic journey in Australia.
Ravi Lochan Singh, a seasoned representative of Australian Universities in India, praised the decision, noting that the government recognized the need to align the financial requirements with current living costs. He affirmed that genuine students should not face difficulties with this change, as it aims to provide them with the necessary resources for a comfortable stay and education in Australia.
Surge in Australian Visa Applications
The need for these reforms was exacerbated by a surge in visa applications from various countries, including India, accompanied by instances of fraudulent practices. Some students provided inaccurate financial information to gain entry into Australia, prompting the government to address these issues and uphold the credibility of its education system.
Singh also pointed out that these reforms have long been advocated by the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI), indicating the collective desire for a more transparent and accountable education sector. He further suggested extending the closure of the loophole for a year to prevent downgrading or switching institutions, unless a student obtains a release (NOC) from their initial university.
Also Read : U.S. Consulate General Mumbai : Clearing COVID-19 Backlog with Efficient Processing