The Dilect: Australia’s New Migration Strategy of major reductions in immigration levels includes stricter rules for student visas, which will influence the higher education sector in 2024. The new migration policy intends to raise scrutiny and English language standards for students while also making it easier for highly skilled professionals to enter the country through the formation of a Skills in Demand Visa and swifter approvals.
The modifications to student visas basically target non-university providers, also known as ‘ghost colleges,’ for the lack of true education they deliver while their students work in low-wage employment.
These changes provide significant hurdles for international students enrolling in Australian universities, affecting a profitable industry that is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to News, PhD students’ post-study employment privileges will be cut from four to three years, with a “21-day service” promise for processing the work visa. Extensions will only available to students who studied in regional areas, and student visa issues will remain dealt by a separate branch of the Department of Home Affairs.
Catriona Jackson, CEO of Universities Australia, praised the majority of the improvements, particularly the addition of a “genuine student test.” She stated that the development of additional visa streams to attract researchers and retain overseas graduates is positive.
However, she highlighted that any modifications restricting real students’ movement need careful assessment against the enormous benefits they bring. While Jackson remained optimistic about the impact on real student numbers, she remains against additional limitations, such as student number caps, citing the significant benefits international students provide during and after their studies.
To summarize, while the Australia’s new migration strategy attempts to solve concerns of integrity and benefit distribution, its influence on the higher education industry is going too shown over the coming months and years.
