While no cap has been imposed on international student numbers, the revised policies present formidable challenges for those seeking to rig the visa system.
While no cap has been imposed on international student numbers, the revised policies present formidable challenges for those seeking to rig the visa system.
Australia has unveiled sweeping changes to its migration strategy in a bid to fix what many deem a “badly broken” system.
These reforms are believed to redefine Australia’s approach to international education, emphasizing a vision to rebuild the nation through education.
While no cap has been imposed on international student numbers, the revised policies present formidable challenges for those seeking to rig the visa system.
With a 17 percent increase in financial requirements for visa applicants, the focus is on reinforcing the integrity of international education through heightened English language requirements, increased scrutiny of high-risk student applications, and stricter standards for education providers.
In a move to safeguard the sector’s integrity, the government has also allocated a substantial AUS$19 million in funding for the establishment of a “student visa integrity unit.”
The overarching goal is to protect against exploitation and ensure the credibility and integrity of the education system.
In an interview with MSM Reporter, Claire Field, managing director of Claire Field & Associates, shared her insights into the implications of Australia’s Migration Strategy reforms on the international education sector.
According to Field, the reforms will likely have minimal impact on university students but may lead to a decline in international Vocational Education and Training students.
Despite reductions in post-study work rights, Field argued that the changes are aligned with pre-COVID settings and mirror similar steps taken by the United Kingdom and Canada.
The introduction of the “Skills in Demand” visa could potentially ease the path to permanent residency for some university students, she noted.
Field said the Genuine Student test and the new Skills in Demand visa, if successful, could make it easier for international graduates to stay in Australia, especially if they studied courses addressing persistent skill shortages in the country.
She added that the Genuine Student test may primarily affect the VET sector, saying this test will scrutinize students’ career prospects and future earnings, with potential consequences for those pursuing VET qualifications, especially if their home countries undervalue such qualifications.
Field said the government may limit opportunities to low-risk, trusted VET providers, pending further details on the implementation of the test.
To address issues in the VET sector and potential exploitation, increased scrutiny of VET providers and agents is underway.
The measures, including funding for regulators and changes preventing education providers from owning agencies, aim to eliminate bad actors and enhance confidence in the integrity of the Australian VET sector.
Regarding the reduction in post-study work rights, Field acknowledges the government’s intention to address challenges faced by international graduates.
“The reason the government is making the change is because, sadly, the current post-study work rights arrangements are not working for many students, and about half of all international graduates end up working in Australia in very low paid jobs after they graduate, not related to their studies,” she said.
Field said the changes aim to facilitate the transition of graduates with sought-after skills to permanent residency through a streamlined process, potentially improving career outcomes for international students.
Changes in English-language score requirements are expected to have a modest impact, with potential shifts in study decisions for some students.
However, Field believes that other introduced changes may have a more significant influence on international student mobility.
“These changes may change the study decisions of some students who will look to study elsewhere instead of Australia but I tend to think the impact will be relatively modest,” she said.
Field observed common trends in the approaches of Canada, the UK, and Australia toward international education.
“All three countries are trying to balance domestic cost of living pressures including high housing costs, with post-COVID growth in international student numbers which wasn’t always linked to quality education delivery,” she said.
While a slight decline in international student numbers is anticipated globally, Australia, Canada, and the UK remain committed to being attractive destinations for international students.
“Globally, we know that other countries are aware of the many benefits of educating international students and at the same time there’s been growth in the number of students wanting to study overseas, there’s been an increase in the destinations available to them,” Field said.
“These changes in the UK, Canada and Australia should be seen against that broader shift in global student mobility.”
