Australia overhauls student visa process

Uni graduates

The Federal Government has made it easier to apply for a student visa. Picture: Renee Nowytarger
Source: The Australian




THE Australian Government has announced changes that will make it easier to apply for a student visa.


The Federal Government has announced the changes in response to the strategic review of the Student Visa Program by former Olympics Minister Michael Knight. However, some say the changes do not go far enough to support Vocational Education and Training providers, such as TAFE.

The changes include:

REDUCING the financial requirements for some applicants; some students now need about $36,000 less in the bank.

ALL students enrolled in a course at the bachelor degree level or higher will be treated as lower risk and have relaxed requirements.

A TWO to four-year post-study work visa now available for university graduates.

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Tertiary Education Minister Senator Chris Evans said: “Students are increasingly looking to augment their studies with graduate work experience and this further post-study work visa option will offer university students a more complete study experience in Australia.”

Opposition spokesman Senator Brett Mason said: “VET students, have simply been shunted off to yet another review.”

Treasurer Jack Snelling said he welcomed the changes but urged the Commonwealth to quickly develop a risk-based model for training providers to reward quality VET providers and private universities.

“The VET sector has been particularly hit by the high Australian dollar and while the Government has made significant steps to increase the international competitiveness for public universities, other providers should not be overlooked,” he said.

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