Australia’s New Student Visa rules as Visa Appointments Commences

Starting May 10, Indian students planning to study in Australia must meet tougher financial requirements to get a student visa. Australia’s new student visa rules were made to control the number of immigrants, including raising the minimum savings needed for international students to get a visa.

Financial Verification Requirement:

To obtain visas, students must now demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 (Rs 16,35,806). This marks the second increment in seven months, following the prior escalation from A$21,041 (Rs 11,58,498) to A$24,505 (Rs 13,49,223) in October. The aim is to ensure students possess adequate funds for travel, tuition, and living expenses during their studies, thereby minimizing financial challenges.

Regulatory Reforms:

The adjustment in visa regulations is complemented by measures introduced by the Australian government to regulate international student inflow and address concerns regarding student exploitation and fraudulent recruitment practices. These include replacing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a Genuine Student (GS) prerequisite to deter employment-seeking students.

Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR) was extended by up to two years from July 1, 2023, enabling international students to seek employment in their fields post-graduation. Other changes include setting a minimum total score requirement of 5.5 for university enrollment, limiting work hours to 48 per fortnight during studies, and prohibiting students from enrolling in two courses simultaneously for the first six months of their main program.

TOEFL Scores Validity:

Australia has resumed accepting TOEFL scores for visa applications, effective May 5, 2024, expanding the options for English proficiency tests accepted. These adjustments underscore Australia’s efforts to manage migration, support rental markets, and uphold the integrity of its education sector, ultimately aiming to enhance the experience and opportunities for international students studying in Australia.For an in-depth understanding of Australia’s recent visa regulations, you can read this article: New Student Visa | Australia enforces regulations

FAQs

1. What are the new changes in the student visa rules for Australia in 2024?
   Australian student visa rules require tougher financial requirements, including a minimum savings amount of A$29,710 (Rs 16,35,806) for international students.
2. Do Australian universities accept TOEFL scores for admissions?
   Yes, Australian universities now accept TOEFL scores for admissions, providing students with more options for English proficiency tests.
3. What is the purpose of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement in the new Australian student visa rules?
   The Genuine Student (GS) requirement aims to deter employment-seeking students and ensure that international students genuinely intend to study in Australia.
4. What are the financial requirements for Indian students applying for a student visa to study in Australia?
   Indian students must demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 (Rs 16,35,806) to meet the new financial verification requirement.
5. Why were Australia’s new student visa rules implemented?
   The new rules aim to control the number of immigrants by raising the minimum savings needed for international students to obtain a visa, ensuring they have adequate funds for travel, tuition, and living expenses during their studies.