Australia Study Visa Archives

Australian International Education: Concerns and Consequences of Visa Decline 2024

Jaspal Singh - 10 September 2024

Australia has long been a leading destination for international students, but 2024 has marked a significant shift in study visa grants. The latest data from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs reveals that study visa grants for offshore applicants have decreased by nearly a third (-29.1%) during the first four months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This drop comes on the heels of new, more restrictive migration policies, tightening visa requirements, and higher rejection rates.

A Drop of Nearly One-Third in Visa Approvals

From January to April 2024, 74,421 study visas were granted to offshore applicants, a steep decline from the 104,808 visas granted in the same period in 2023. This near-30% drop is significant but still less dramatic than the 53% decline during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Sectors like vocational education and training (VET) and the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) have been particularly affected, with visa grants in these sectors dropping by 69% and 56%, respectively. These declines represent some of the lowest levels in over a decade.

Impact of New Migration Settings

The drop in visa approvals can be largely attributed to new migration policies introduced by the Australian government in December 2023. These policies include a higher minimum financial requirement for prospective students, a cap on international student enrollments starting in January 2025, and restrictions on students’ transitioning between visa categories. As a result, students now face stricter criteria to prove financial stability, demonstrate English proficiency, and pass the “Genuine Student Test.” These measures have contributed to the increasing rejection rates for offshore student visa applications.

Falling Approval Rates

In the first four months of 2024, the overall approval rate for offshore student visas fell to 77.4%, down from 80.5% in 2023. Historically, approval rates have averaged nearly 90% for offshore applicants from 2005 to 06 through 2023. For both the VET and ELICOS sectors, approval rates dropped to historically low levels of 37.8% and 74.8%, respectively. These numbers suggest that visa processing for these sectors has become significantly more stringent, likely because of the new policies and heightened scrutiny of applications.

The VET and ELICOS sectors have been disproportionately affected by the decline in visa grants. Together, they accounted for 61% of the total drop in offshore visa approvals from January to April 2024. The ELICOS sector, in particular, saw a dramatic decline in approval rates. For example, Colombian applicants experienced a sharp drop in ELICOS-only grants from 95% in 2023 to just 32% in the first two months of 2024, marking a historic low.

Concerns from the Education Sector

The decline in study visa grants has raised concerns among Australian education providers, who argue that these policies threaten the long-term sustainability of the sector. Troy Williams, the chief executive of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), warned that the government’s restrictive approach could lead to financial struggles for many education providers, some of which are still recovering from the pandemic. Job losses in the education sector are also expected as a direct result of these visa restrictions.

Universities Australia’s CEO, Luke Sheehy, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the economic importance of the international education sector, which contributed AUD 48 billion to the economy in 2023. This sector has been a major driver of Australia’s economic growth, supporting not only educational institutions but also the broader economy through job creation and skills development. Sheehy stressed that preserving stability and growth in the international education sector is vital for the country’s prosperity

In the Last…

The sharp decline in study visa grants in Australia signals a significant shift in the country’s approach to international education. While the tighter migration settings introduced in late 2023 aim to regulate student migration, they have also raised concerns about the long-term impacts on Australia’s education sector. As visa approval rates continue to fall and stricter requirements take hold, the effects on education providers, students, and the broader economy are likely to intensify in the coming months.

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Student Dependent Visa for Australia

Jaspal Singh - 30 September 2021

Updated on May 26th, 2023

When you wish to apply study visa for any destination of your choice and have a partner or child dependent on you, you need to check the visa provisions of that country. If the country is Australia, you need not worry, and no need to leave them behind. You can apply for a student-dependent visa along with your visa application.

On the other side if you are applying for your visa or you are already on a study visa in Australia, still you have the option to apply for a visa as a subsequent entrant. Subclass 500 prescribes some requirements that must be satisfied for approval of their visa applications. In all cases, the duration of their visa will depend upon the visa of the main applicant.

Eligibility to apply for a visa under this category

Who is eligible to apply under this category or who can apply for a student-dependent visa? Family members include your partner and you and your partner’s dependent children. In other simple words, dependents that can apply for a visa under this visa clause include your spouse or de facto partner. De facto partner means when you are not married, but you live like married and have a relationship. A person under this clause can apply if the relationship is at least 12 months old. And the relationship is genuine and exclusive. Similarly, a dependent child to apply under this category should depend on you or your partner and has not turned 18.

We must declare all existing members timely

It is mandatory under subclass 500 that you declare all your relationships at the time of your first application. Whether you are married or single should be clearly mentioned in the application. It is not relevant if the dependent is accompanying you or not. If you cannot mention it at the time of the first application, it would be difficult to add them later or at the time of the subsequent application.

A member of the family member failing to declare will not be eligible to enter Australia as the student’s family unit member, apart from a person who becomes a member after the student’s application was decided. Such negligence can also make doubtful the genuineness of the applicant. Genuineness (GTE) is a significant factor considered when deciding on any visa application in Australia. So being on the safe side, all family members, including married or de facto partners and dependent children, should be declared at the time of first application.

Subsequent entrant visa application

In case the main applicant gets married after the lodgment of his initial visa application. Still, before the visa is granted, he must notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. This update will help you add your dependent later in the subsequent visa application. Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged when the marriage is done after granting the main application’s visa. Proof of marriage and continued relationship must be provided along with a visa application. The Visa officer may ask for any related document to ascertain the genuineness of the relationship.

It should be obvious that the visa officer is always concerned with the present situation of the relationship. The continuity of the relationship needs to be proved to get visa approval. Along with relationship proof, there are also financial requirements for a successful visa application. Such requirements keep on changing, so readers are advised to check with official sources before applying for your visa application.

Financial requirements for family members

As mentioned above, there are also financial requirements. Dependents need to show that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs during their stay in Australia. Applicant needs to show living costs for 12 months. And if the application is combined, then the student needs to show 12-month tuition and living cost. The cost of dependent children also needs to be calculated. Financial requirements are an essential part of a visa application, so I advised it to check properly while applying for your application.

Checklist of documents required

If you are already in Australia and you are fulfilling your all visa conditions and want to invite your dependents. In that case, your dependents need to file a visa application along with the following documents. This checklist is not final; the visa officer may ask for additional documents for his satisfaction.

# Form 919 Nomination of student defendants

# Form 157A Application for a student visa

# An Original letter from the education provider stating the course you are studying, the duration of the course, your expected completion date, and satisfying course requirements.

# Proof that you have sufficient money to support your dependents in Australia

# Proof of your relationship with your dependents as birth and marriage certificates

# Proof of school enrollment for your school-aged dependents

# Proof of health insurance for each dependent. Family members of the main applicant or visa holder must provide evidence of having adequate health insurance for the grant of their visa for the period of their intended stay in Australia. Documentation includes evidence of payment of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

You may ask for any further details at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com

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Australia for International Students: A Current Scenario

Bhawana - 26 September 2021

Updated on May 26th, 2022

Australia has always been one of the preferred destinations for higher studies among international students. In 2018, the number of international students enrolled in different Australian education providers was approx. 8, 69,709 (rising 8.8% higher than it was in 2017). In 2019, there was a slight holdup in this number (approx. 7, 58,000) and in the subsequent years, because of the covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the student concentration all across Australia reached approx. 529,580, meaning a decrease of 17% from that of 2017.

In spite of this, Australia has retained its accomplishment as being the topmost International student education destination and being in the highest demand in terms of quality education and personality growth among international students. Studying abroad may feel slightly daunting for students but compared with the impeccable benefits of the Australian education system, the students will surely fall in love with the country and experience everything it offers.

So many reasons why students choose Australia

According to different studies, Australian Universities/colleges are placed in the top 100 in QS World University Rankings. Australia is known for higher living standards and for providing higher wage rates to students. International students here also enjoy the incredible nature and diverse terrain, along with experiencing the most diverse wildlife on earth and a multitude of unique experiences.

Students experience new and diverse cultures along with exploring wonderful culinary offerings, public international celebrations, and the chance to learn a different language; these in a much more secure and safe environment, which makes them feel a sense of belonging in the multicultural setting. International students also get the best opportunities to gain practical and professional experience in diverse fields as they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying and receive higher wages as compared to some other countries.

Indian Students in Australia — *The number of Indian students choosing Australia has consistently increased over the years*

Australia is globally renowned for its contribution to the research and development sector, especially for IVF, cervical cancer vaccination, penicillin, ultrasound, the Bionic Ear, Black Box Flight Recorders, and many more; which forms great opportunities for students who are especially interested in technologies and engineering. Studying in Australia helps not only the students to develop their academic background and national career along with developing their overall personality, but the student government also considered international students as an important asset. It can be verified that the higher education bend in the country has steadily reached up to 54% while in the VET sector, the bend is over 37%.

How is Australia in the Current Scenario?

As for the current scenario, many students have already applied or are going to apply to different Australian education providers to experience and explore the outstanding education, the unique culture, and best of everything the country offers but because of lockdowns and border restrictions, traveling has become challenging.

The good news is that according to the news by Karen Andrews, the travel ban on Australian borders are to be lifted by November 2021 (as the report stated that once 80% of people are vaccinated in Australia, the borders will be opened and till now 40% of the target vaccinations has been achieved. And it is believed that the remaining 40% will be easily achieved by Nov 2021). This means the long wait of almost 18 months by the international students is finally going to be over and they will be all set to experience quality education in Australia and achieve their goals.

*Auther with High Commissioner Australia*

According to PM Scott Morrison, Universities and colleges of Australia are waiting for the international students as they form an important asset for the Government and an important revenue-generating factor. International students are the backbone of the Australian economy and once the borders are open, the country is ready to provide the best of education and services to the international students in order to prove its resilience and dedication towards the students and retaining its glory of being the dream destination for international students.

In a nutshell, I can say that once Australian borders are open, the applications for traveling to Australia will skyrocket as Australia has proven to be the country providing the best quality and standard-based educational and economic facilities to all the immigrants and its citizens while striving to maintain peace and security even during the pandemic. Students can easily associate positive personal and professional growth parameters with Australia and they will never be disappointed for sure.

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When can Indian students travel to Australia & join their studies?

Jaspal Singh - 21 July 2021

Updated on May 27th, 2023

Indian students planning to travel to Australia have a question in mind that we all are trying to get an answer, but still wandering to fix it. Question is, when can Indian students travel to their dreamland to join their studies? Several international students, including thousands from India, enrolled in Australian universities remain offshore because of the strict border closure. Parents, students & education consultants are estimating the timeline for student return. Australia’s economy is on track, although affected by Covid-19 to some extent. Credits for this go to the country’s stable financial system. But whereas it completely affected the education sector.

Overseas students cannot travel to Australia to join their classes. Universities and other institutes are struggling hard for their survival. It scattered their economic structure so much that they cannot pay salaries to their staff, denying them regular jobs. Figures show that Universities shed at least 17,300 jobs in 2020.

Indian students are waiting for opening of borders

International education is the country’s fourth-biggest export, with A$40.3 billion in 2019. Closure of borders for International Students cost a loss of 9 billion. These figures are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABC). The country’s borders have been effectively closed to international students for well over a year and there is still no clear-cut sign of when they will reopen. Over 110,000 international students currently enrolled in higher education courses in Australia are studying remotely because of the border closures, according to federal government figures.

According to data released by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in May, the number of Indian students enrolled in Australian universities dropped by 13 percent between January and May this year as compared to a similar period last year.

An initiative by South Australia

International Students waiting to travel

South Australia had previously announced its pilot plan to let international students travel to Australia and quarantine at Parafield Airport last few weeks giving few indications of the early opening of borders for international students. Under the plan, 160 students would be quarantined at Parafield Airport and be required to have daily COVID-19 tests. Parafield Airport is on the edge of the residential suburb of Parafield. It’s in South Australia, 18 km north of the Adelaide city center. It is Adelaide’s second airport and the third busiest airport in Australia by aircraft movements. After China, India is among the biggest source of international students for SA. Outside of China, India is the next biggest source of overseas students for South Australia.

Sydney lockdown & its effects

Similarly, NSW announced its plan to bring back international students in June, which was under review by the federal government. They did not include though India in this pilot plan. This plan of the NSW government was about to happen, but the outbreak of the virus in Sydney delayed it. They extended lockdowns many times. NSW has paused plans to fly in international students to help kick-start the struggling education sector. Premier Ms. Berejiklian said recently we had put the pilot program on hold. Adding the government would not compromise its ability to exit the lockdown as quickly as possible.

Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge further endorsed the statement saying ‘the NSW government had made the right call in pausing the pilot’. Sydney is currently battling a spike in the highly contagious Delta variant infections, which has prompted New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian to pause its student pilot plan while the state remains in lockdown.

Over the past year, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory had also announced similar student return plans, but not implemented them. Other states also followed the same, but there’s no concrete answer. When international students can travel to Australia, which has kept students on edge since the country shut its borders in March 2020.

Changing the mindset of students

There is increasing frustration in students planning to study in Australia. whereas other countries are relaxing restrictions and openly managing and facilitating the safe return of students, Australia seems more conscious of it. Students are changing their choice to other destinations like UK & USA. It is very clear the fate of the international education sector rests on Australia’s border policy. The most important factor in the sector’s recovery is the rate at which both new and returning international students can enter the country. Experts claim global competitors are gaining because of Australia’s tight border policy.

In concluding lines, we can still keep hoping for the early opening of borders for Indian students. We all are expecting it sooner. The country needs a national proactive strategy to bring back existing students on priority. Although Prime Minister announced the opening of borders from November 1 for a few categories but has not yet communicated a specific timeline for their student return.

…recent updates (Nov. 2021)

As per media reports, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on ( 12th Nov 2021) in Melbourne that international travelers and students from India could soon enter the country. He further clarified that the government had already expanded the definition of the immediate family. This will allow the parents of permanent residents and citizens to be allowed for entering Australia.

Media report on Australia Travel — Media report

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Hope the Australian borders reopen soon for international students?

Jaspal Singh - 5 September 2020

Updated on August 23rd, 2021

After months of speculations, since March 2020, when the Australian borders are closed because of a health crisis caused by COVID-19 to everyone except citizens and permanent residents, everyone is regularly asking a question. When will borders reopen for international students? Undoubtedly this question is also costing 40 billion dollars to the country’s economy. Uncertainty is everywhere, although government officials, students, Universities, agencies, and other bodies estimate it differently. Given figures suggest that over 100, 000 international students are waiting outside Australia, including India. And they are wandering every day to fly back to Australia and join their studies.

South Australia’s plan

On 16^th August 2020, the Australian government announced a pilot program under which the government is planning to reopen borders for approximately 300 international students who will arrive in South Australia. The federal government also gave a green signal to plan. Under this plan, these students will be from South East Asian countries like Singapore, Japan, China, and Hong Kong. After reaching Adelaide, they will remain in 14 days quarantine period. Universities will pay for the cost of quarantine.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham

Another plan of South Australia

Now we are at the end of July 2021 and under a newly approved student arrival plan for South Australia, a dedicated quarantine hub in Adelaide will host up to 160 students. South Australia approved the new “quarantine hub” and they expected it to become operational in the second half of 2021.

On similar lines, another quarantine hub proposal for New South Wales is in the last stages of review. If it happens, it will be a significant step for students. Two in five (38%) international students who come to Australia choose to study in NSW.

Conditions are safe for quarantine

Education Minister Alan Tudge said the South Australia hub, which is to be based at Parafield Airport, met all standards. And “won’t take any quarantine places from Australians returning home”; returning students will be outside of overall “caps” on returning travellers for the state.

Institutions and students will be responsible for the costs of flights and quarantine. Incoming students will quarantine for 14 days and take daily COVID-19 tests.

South Australia’s Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier, who first approved the plan in May, said the quarantine facility is “ideal”:

It is single ground floor units, there’re no corridors basically, so it’s very well ventilated. It’s ideally set up for a student cohort because that’s actually what we normally use the facility for.

There are so many other factors on which the actual answer depends. The Australian government is trying to control the situation. Any further outbreak of COVID in any part of the country can create risk and all planning may get further delay.

As mentioned earlier, this question is costing 40 billion to the country, the government should come with a more effective way out to revive the economy. Students will travel and undergo medical tests and also quarantine. Delay in the opening will cause further loss to the economy. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, while talking to the media, mentioned that Australian borders would not reopen at least the end of the year but on the other side. Universities have taken applications, and similarly, immigration has also started accepting visa applications.

Hope that students can resume studies

In this scenario, if someone planning to study in Australia, he has to start the process, taking English tests like IELTS or PTE, collecting relevant documents. As a prospective international student, you can predict to join studies in the first intake in 2021. But this is again an estimate as there is no official announcement yet.

Let’s hope for the early reopening of borders for students and other travellers.

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Australian Study & Visitor Visa: Steps to follow

Jaspal Singh - 13 June 2020

Updated on September 7th, 2024

We need a visa to travel from one country to another for any specific reason or purpose. It is like an endorsement on a passport that allows the visa holder to enter, leave, or stay in any country in a particular period. Here we will discuss a few steps to get an Australian Visa. Reasons can be various like business, travel, study, work, or any, so requirements will also be different depending nature of the Visa. The visa application process differs from country to country, as every country has a unique set of rules that apply to get the visa approved.

This write-up is about Study & Visitor visas only. First, we are taking the heading of Study Visa.

# Study Visa subclass 500

When anyone wishes to study in Australia, he would need to get a study permit. The guidelines for study visa keep on changing from time to time. A Simplified Visa Framework (SSVF), which started on July 1, 2016, applies. As per this set of rules, now every visa for the study is filed under subclass 500.

It has ranked Australia as one of the best destinations for international students. Indian students are opting for Australia for its world-class education and excellent quality of living. Australia is one of the most welcoming and diverse countries. It has almost half of its population either born overseas or has at least one parent born overseas.

What you need for enrollment in the course

When you choose Australia for your studies, you will need to get a student visa. And to apply for a study visa, the very first thing you need is full-time enrollment with a recognized institution. While applying for registration in any course, you need to provide various information on your eligibility to enter that course of study. Your level of English is one of the essential requirements for entry into your course. Besides this, you also need to provide information about your living and welfare arrangements, including your health insurance.

Applying for your Study Visa:

When you get a letter of offer from any recognized institution, you need to apply for your visa. As discussed earlier, you need to apply for your visa under subclass 500. There is a list of documents required to apply for a study visa. These days we apply for it online. And here, we are giving a checklist of documents, but this list is not inclusive. There can be a few more requirements depending on case to case. If you are below 18, you may need your parental consent. I suggest you consult your expert’s advice for the last list of documents while applying for your visa. Choosing the right course for the right career is very important. The reason is that you will invest a lot of money and precious time. The following video can guide you on this point.

Checklist of documents to apply for Study Visa

Application Form

A Valid Passport

Proof of Enrollment (COE)

Academic and Work Experience documents

Evidence of your English proficiency skills

Details of your Health Insurance Policy

Evidence of Financial ability

Your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement

Passport-sized photographs

# Visitor Visa subclass 600

Australia is one of the popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. Its beautiful beaches, mountains, mind-blowing landscapes, and many other things can allure anybody who feels a love for nature. Its awe-inspiring beautiful spots all-time attract tourists & visitors.

If you wish to visit Australia for tourists, business visitors, or visit family, you need to process your application under subclass 600. These days, the entire application process is online, and you do not need to physically visit any embassy of VFS. You need to fill out the application form, load relevant documents and pay the visa fee with your card. Although the entire process is straightforward, you need to take the correct steps for a successful application. A small and silly mistake can be the reason for the rejection of your visa application. You can complete the entire process yourself. But I advise you to consult some professionals to avoid any mistakes in your application.

When we read subclass 600, it suggests different applicants. This visa lets you visit Australia as a tourist, see family and friends, or for a few other purposes, including medical treatment. You may also have brief visits as business visitors. Under this visa, you can’t work or sell goods or services. Visa conditions can let you single entry or multiple entries while the visa is valid. To ensure that you get a successful visa, I suggested you consult a visa consultant.

What you need for a Visitor Visa Application

Requirements for Visitor Visa

In visitor visa applications, there are few general requirements. Every application may need a few more specific things to satisfy the Visa Officer for the Visa grant. Here the fundamental thing is your purpose of the visit, and that should be very clear. The visa officer may ask for any document for his satisfaction. The applicant needs to prove that he has sufficient financials to support his visit. It must clearly mention his reason to return. Here is a list of documents that are needed while applying for this visa.

Documents brief Checklist

The letter mentions details of applicants, passport details, travel details

Visa Application Form

2 Photos: 35 X 45mm, white background, matt finish 80% face size

The letter mentioning details of applicants, passport details, travel details

Pan Card or Adhar Card Copy

Financial statements (bank details)

Employment (Job or Business) Proof and Pay Slips

Income Tax Returns

Hotel bookings or accommodation covering the entire duration of the intended stay

Flight reservation of return or round ticket

Marriage Certificate if married

Visa Application Fee

To avoid the extra length of the article, we will discuss different Australian Visas separately. This article is a general view of the Study & Visitor Visa for Indians. Also, read about other Visas.

If you are applying for any visa, you must consult an official source of information, or you may consult at Adv.Jaspal@gmail.com or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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