Australia Tightens Visa Requirements for International Students – VisaGuide.News

Australia has announced its plans to tighten Genuine Student (GS) and English Language requirements for international students.

These changes are part of Australia’s Migration Strategy and will impact all Student visa applications submitted on or after March 23, 2024, Visa Guide.World reports.

The purpose of this amendment is to clarify the assessment of a student’s intention to study in Australia genuinely and to remove the confusion about whether the student can express a desire to migrate to Australia.

GTE Requirement for Genuine Intention to Temporarily Stay in Australia Has Been Lifted

The Australian authorities further explained that student visa applicants are no longer required to meet the GTE requirement that they genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

Australian authorities noted that the GS requirement acknowledges that international graduates who meet the criteria can become permanent residents. International students can also become part of a skilled workforce, helping to address skill shortages in the country.

The change is also intended to help the Department identify non-genuine students who are seeking to enter Australia for purposes other than to study.

English Language Requirements Updated

In addition, Australian authorities have updated the English language requirements for student and temporary graduate visas.

Regarding changes for Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV), the minimum IELTS test score needed for a TGV has gone up from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent). Additionally, each section of the test (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) must now have a minimum score of 5.5.

Moreover, the window for using an English test for a TGV has been decreased from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants now must show evidence of completing an English Language test within one year prior to their visa application date.

Meanwhile, regarding student visas, authorities have announced the following updates:

• The minimum IELTS score for a Student visa rose from 5.5 to 6 (or equivalent).
• The minimum IELTS score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS rose from 4.5 to 5.0.
• There will be no changes for students who are studying English only through ELICOS.
• IELTS score remains at 5.5 (or equivalent) for students in reputable university foundation or pathway programs offering English language training.

“English Language Requirement Changes Aim to Prepare Students for Job Market”

According to Migration Strategy, changes to English language requirements for student visas will help international students have a great time studying in Australia and get ready for the job market if they want to apply for a graduate visa after they finish their studies.

Increasing English language requirements for students undertaking VET and higher education courses require a similar increase in scores for those taking packaged ELICOS courses. This ensures that students can transition successfully into their main course, with the appropriate level of English.

According to Australia’s Department of Education, over 567,000 international students were in the country as of January 2024, marking a 26 percent increase from the same period last year.