Australia remains a popular study abroad destination worldwide, and the number of students choosing to study in Australia has increased significantly in recent years. The Australian Government recommended a student cap to help manage development, resulting in the 2025 National Planning Level (NPL) student cap. However, this new system has not been confirmed.
Australia offers the opportunity to live and work in Australia for a period of time, and some graduates also have a pathway to permanent residency if their skills and qualifications are required. This will allow you to better plan for your future in Australia and elsewhere.
To make things fairer, Australia plans to limit “visa hopping” between different temporary visas that do not provide a path to permanent residence.
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On March 23, 2024, the Genuine Temporary Enrollee (GTE) requirement was replaced by the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
The GS requirements are a series of questions that must be answered in your student visa application.
These targeted questions will help the Home Office assess whether the applicant is a genuine student applicant. The application process will also be improved to ensure that genuine international students benefit from a safe and supported learning experience in Australia.
On March 23, 2024, the English language requirements for student visas and short-term graduate visas changed. New English language requirements will better support learning and employment outcomes.
The minimum test score for a student visa has been increased from International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). The minimum test score for students taking the English Intensive Course for International Students (ELICOS) course before their main course of study has been increased from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). The minimum test score required for students on a Foundation or Pathway program at a reputable English language training university is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
The test score required for a short-term graduate visa has been increased from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
The period of post-study work visa will be changed. However, an Australian short-term graduate visa gives you time to gain valuable work experience and prove your skills to Australian employers.
“Australia has solidified its position as a preferred destination by extending post-study work rights for graduates in priority sectors by up to six years. This move has increased international student numbers by 17% to now 570,000. ,” said Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living.
If you manage to get a skilled job during your post-study work period, you may be able to apply for the new four-year skills-in-demand visa. This visa provides a clearer path to permanent residence.
The initial length of stay for Indian nationals will remain unchanged as agreed in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study government-registered courses that meet the country’s quality standards. International students considering studying in Australia should visit the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses Outside Students (CRICOS) for a list of these courses.
The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023. The strategy aims to further strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education programs, better protect international students and support graduates to achieve their career goals.
