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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Indian students in Germany

Jaspal Singh - 7 July 2023

Are you an ambitious student seeking to broaden your horizons and embark on an exciting educational journey? Look no further than Germany—a nation renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant culture, and unparalleled opportunities.

I am Jaspal Singh, a lawyer and the proud founder of a company that has been guiding Indian students toward their dreams of studying abroad for over two decades. Inspired by my recent experience at ICEF Berlin in October 2022, where I had the privilege of meeting esteemed professionals from universities and diverse industries, I am thrilled to share comprehensive details on studying in Germany.

Indian students are increasingly choosing Germany as a study destination. Germany is known for its high-quality education system, and it offers a wide range of courses and programs for international students, including Indian students. The country has become one of the top destinations for Indian students who want to study abroad.

Requirements for Indian Students

To study in Germany, Indian students need to meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. One important requirement is the APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle), which plays a vital role in the application process for Indian students, as well as students from Vietnam, mainland China, and Mongolia. This certificate proves the authenticity of academic documents. Indian students who wish to study in Germany can find comprehensive information and resources on studying in Germany on the websites of organizations like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

ICEF, Berlin 2022 — *I attended ICEF Berlin, in October 202*2

Financial Considerations to Study in Germany

Studying in Germany can be an affordable option for Indian students due to the country’s low or no tuition fees at public universities. However, there are still some financial considerations to keep in mind. You’ll need to budget for living expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. Additionally, you might have to show proof of financial resources when applying for a student visa. It’s advisable to research scholarships and part-time job opportunities to help with your finances. Consulting the official websites of German universities and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs can provide more specific and up-to-date information.

Private Universities charge fees

Private universities in Germany charge tuition fees, and the costs can vary significantly depending on the institution and the study program. The tuition fees at private universities can range from a few thousand euros per year to more expensive programs. It’s important to research and compare the tuition fees and the overall costs associated with studying at different private universities in Germany.

Working rights of students & living cost

Besides tuition fees, you will also need to consider the same living expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses, as mentioned earlier.

Indian students in Germany have certain working rights that allow them to support themselves financially during their studies. During semester breaks, you can work full-time. However, it’s essential to note that your primary focus should be on your studies, and part-time work should not interfere with your academic progress.

Regarding the cost of living in Germany, it can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. On average, you should budget around 800 to 1,200 euros per month to cover your expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials. It’s important to research the specific costs of the city you plan to study in and consider your personal preferences to estimate your living expenses accurately. It’s recommended to thoroughly research the financial aspects and scholarship opportunities offered by private universities to ensure you can afford the costs of studying at a private institution. There are various scholarships and funding options available to support international students, including Indian students.

Overall, Germany offers a favorable environment for Indian students seeking quality education, international exposure, and career opportunities. Read more on STUDY AND WORKING OPTIONS IN GERMANY

If you are also planning to Study in Germany, call or WhatsApp +91-9888481965

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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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MALTA: A Beautiful destination for higher studies

Jaspal Singh - 22 May 2021

Updated on September 7th, 2024

I am in the profession of consultancy of students for international education for over two decades. During this span of time, I have been to different destinations, including various parts of Europe. In Europe, there are so many destinations that are popular among students choosing higher education abroad. Malta is one of those destinations that we will explore in this article. Malta is a small island about 80 km south of Italy and 280km east of Tunisia. It is home to a population of roughly 440,000 people. The capital city of Malta is Valletta. It has 11,500 students, including over 600 international students from 71 different countries. Studying in Malta is most suited for international students. It is an English-speaking country, and they base the education system in Malta on the British model offering rich and diverse programs for higher studies.

Private & Public Colleges in Malta

Even though small, Malta has different public and private institutions that offer programs at different levels to overseas students. Most of these institutes are in Valetta, the capital city. Institutes offer graduate programs in various disciplines and specialist courses in tourism, arts, technology, etc. It houses hundreds of international students, many of whom are there to improve their proficiency in the English language.

We also call Malta the ‘hidden gem of the Mediterranean’ because interesting geographical locations such as Sicily and Alexandria surrounded it. Malta is a relatively peaceful country surrounded by beauty. And there is a wide variety of career choices students may choose to focus on.

This country offers an excellent standard of education, an affordable living style and plenty of exciting career opportunities. I regularly attend conferences and education fairs in different parts of Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and Switzerland.

A great place to improve your English

Malta is a great place to learn the lingua franca of the global business economy — English. Around 75,000 international students enroll in English language courses every year. A large proportion of the students come from Italy. Also, it attracts many French and German learners. Most international students arrive in July, combining a summer vacation with a chance to improve their English. General English is the most popular course. It focuses on four key language skills–reading, writing, listening, and speaking–with additional vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Courses are between 15-30 hours a week, which includes a significant amount of one-to-one tutoring. Other course options include intensive English, English for work, business or academic English, and 50+ programs tailored to mature students.

Top courses in MALTA

MBA: A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree. A master of business administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that provides theoretical and practical business or investment management training. An MBA helps graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions.

Master of Engineering Studies in Geotechnical Engineering: Completing the Master of Engineering Studies in Geotechnical Engineering will enhance your ability to practice in the geotechnical engineering field by extending your education in your area of specialization and upgrading your current skills and training.

Hotel Management: The Bachelor’s Degree in International Hotel Management prepares students to enter the world of hospitality as leaders and managers with a strategic approach to business. It combines management theory with hands-on hospitality courses, professional internships, and a business specialization.

Professional Cooking: This course involves inculcating advanced cookery skills and administrative management skills. It involves indulging in techniques such as specialization in patisserie and gastronomy. It would also involve planning and implementing a live dinner service (including menu development and management skills).

Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism and leisure refer to the management of products and services related to such activities as traveling for pleasure, personal recreation, and various social events.

Stay back Options in Malta

Some students decide to take up permanent residence in Malta once they complete their educational requirements. English environment and free health care, and other factors attract many to make Malta their permanent home. Malta has a lot to offer; whether you are a student or staying permanently, you will not soon forget. After graduating, you have all the support you need to start a career or even build your own business.

Life & Other Activities in Malta

Malta is a country where you can get a great education, and enjoy a high standard of living. There you meet lots of interesting people from all over the world. If ancient history is not your thing, you can spend your weekends at bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Like many of its Mediterranean neighbors, Malta is famous for its rustic national cuisine, delicious seafood, and warm hospitality. Plus, if you avoid the tourist traps, you will find plenty of places to eat out on a student budget.

Whilst offering great opportunities for overseas students, life in Malta still keeps its traditional flavor. The locals are friendly. The island is very safe, and it is one of the cheapest places to study in Europe. These reasons contribute to the rising popularity of Malta among international students.

Visa and other requirements in Malta:

EU citizens can study and work in Malta without a visa. But they need to gain a residence document post 90 days of stay. Those from outside the EU would need to get a student visa from the Maltese consulates in their home country. Every University in Malta has an international office that assists with the Visa and application requirements. Students may also need to take up an English language test, depending on which country they are applying to. My company represents various colleges & Universities. All have different criteria for admission, which our counselors can check. We can also check visa requirements from the official websites of different consulates.

If you are looking to study in Malta, work, Visit, migrate, or invest in Malta, talk to CAAN World Consultants, the BEST Immigration & Visa Company having offices in Jalandhar, India & Melbourne, Australia.

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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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