Australia’s New Migration Strategy To Strengthen Quality Of International Education Programs

Studying in Australia can be a rewarding experience, and there are several steps and considerations involved for Pakistani students aspiring to study there. Australian universities are globally renowned for their high-quality education and diverse range of programs across various fields of study, offering cutting-edge curriculum and research opportunities. The multicultural environment in Australia is attractive to Pakistani students, providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that fosters cross-cultural interactions and networking opportunities. The post-study work opportunities available in Australia further attract Pakistani students, offering a chance to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to a skilled migration pathway.

Objectives Of Australia’s Migration Strategy 2024

Australian government has released new strategy in December 2023 for new applicants. The main objectives to making some new changes are as follows

• The Strategy aims to improve international student protection, bolster the credibility and caliber of Australia's programs for overseas education, and assist graduates in realizing their professional aspirations.

• To support international students for their better career opportunities in Australia.

• Possibility of a top-notch Australian education to foreign students by feeling them supported, safe, and welcomed.

Key Features Of Australia’s New Migration Strategy

Australia has been implementing various strategies and changes in its migration policies. However, specific details are as follows

Clear Post Study Pathways

Clear post-study pathways are provided by the Strategy. These include pathways to permanent residency for certain graduates and, if your skills and qualifications are required, the chance to work and live in Australia for a set period of time. It will help you make better plans for the future, whether it is in Australia or somewhere else.

• The Strategy will restrict "visa hopping" between various temporary visas that do not provide a path to permanent residency in order to promote fairness.

Genuine Student Requirement Instead Of Genuine Temporary Entrant

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is replaced with the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement for student visa applications. To assist the Department of Home Affairs in verifying that applications are received from genuine students, proof will be needed.

• This will streamline the application procedure and guarantee that only genuine foreign students can still enroll in Australian universities.

New Higher English Language Requirements

The Australian government has planned to raise the English language proficiency requirements for student and temporary graduate visas from academic year 2024. The objective of this strategy is student’s learning and career outcomes will be better supported by the new English language requirements.

• The minimum test score needed to obtain a Temporary Graduate visa is raised from 6.0 to 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its equivalent.

  • The minimum score needed to obtain a student visa raised from 5.5 on the IELTS (or equivalent) to 6.0.

  • IELTS (or equivalent) 5.0 is now the minimum score required for students enrolled in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) prior to their primary course of study instead of 4.5.

• 5.5 IELTS scores bands are compulsory for students who want to enroll in foundation or pathways programs where they get English language training courses/ classes.

Stricter Rules For Education Providers To Maintain High Quality Education

In order to improve the integrity and caliber of Australia's educational offerings for overseas students, the Australian government is putting new regulations into place.

• The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will oversee a new VET Integrity Unit to guarantee that you obtain the best possible instruction and training.

• To support their collaboration with top-notch education agents, education providers will have increased access to education agent data.

• The current "fit and proper" provider test for education providers registered to offer programs to international students will be strengthened by changes made to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act).

Simple Pathway From Post Study Graduate To Permanent Residency

Post-study work visa durations will vary. students will still have time to obtain useful work experience and present your qualifications to Australian employers, though, thanks to Australia's Temporary Graduate visa.

• You might be qualified to apply for the new four-year Skills in Demand visa if you secure employment in a skilled position during your post-study work period. A more transparent route to permanent residency is offered by this visa.