Australia tightens student visa rules amid concerns of misuse
Australian government has swiftly moved to close a visa loophole that allowed international students to enroll in less expensive vocational courses upon their arrival in the country. Effective immediately, this loophole will be sealed.
International students often took advantage of a provision known as the «concurrent study» rule, which permitted them to pursue additional courses alongside their primary studies, with the aim of enhancing their job prospects through short-term programs.
However, recent investigations have brought to light a significant number of students misusing this rule, choosing to abandon their university studies in favor of more affordable courses.
According to data, there has been a notable surge in concurrent study enrollments during the first half of 2023, totaling 17,000, compared to a combined total of 10,500 for the same period in both 2019 and 2022.
Education Minister Jason Clare stated, «This change will work to stop predatory 'second' providers from enrolling students before they have studied for the required six months at their first provider.»
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Australia relies heavily on international education, which ranks as the country's fourth-largest export industry. Therefore, safeguarding the integrity of this sector holds significant economic importance, as emphasized by Clare.
Additionally, the government plans to raise the financial requirements for international students seeking a student visa. Starting from October 1st,
