WWICS Blog

Foreign Students Rejoice as Australia Lowers Entry Barriers
Posted on : 13 April, 2011

Finally, the calls from the education sector of Australia have been heard by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) as the latest reports confirm that the entry barriers for foreign students on the study visa have been lowered.

In total, the Australian student visa assessment level for 38 countries across one or more study visa subclass would be lowered, thereby helping the Land Down Under to recoup from the declining overseas students. In the recent times, Australia education sector has been battling as stricter rules were put in place for the study visa.

The applications of foreign students from the 38 countries would benefit by not having to provide comprehensive documentation in support of their student visa applications. Furthermore, it is also likely that less documentation will need to be provided to show English language proficiency, financial capacity and academic qualifications.

Confirming the news, a DIAC spokesman said, "Prospective students and their families, agents and education providers should be aware that these changes will lower the minimum evidentiary requirements needed for the grant of a student visa for the selected countries and education sectors."

Defining the process of applying for Permanent Residency, the spokesman from DIAC said that the changes are only applicable on student visa for initial entry as a foreign student.

These are a welcoming change for not only the Australian education sector, but for several aspiring students who want to study in Australia.

Col BS Sandhu (Retd.), CMD, WWICS Group said, “all the students who want to study in Australia should act fast and make relevant academic choices so as to meet their job market needs and eventually qualify to settle in Down Under as Permanent Residents and adapt to the economic needs of Australia in the long run.”