From May 10, 2024, if you’re looking to study in Australia, you need to know about new financial rules for student visas. The Australian government made these changes to make the country’s education system better and protect overseas students.
Let’s see what we have:
Increased Financial Requirement: International students and their guardians now need to show they can afford AUD 29,710 to cover cost of living, tuition, and travel. This helps to make sure students won’t struggle with money while studying in Australia.
TOEFL iBT Acceptance: Good news! TOEFL iBT is back as a valid test for student visas, and all Australian universities accept it. But, tests taken between July 26, 2023, and May 4, 2024, don’t count. Tests taken before July 26, 2023, are still good for two years. Now, students have another way to prove they can speak English well enough.
Genuine Student requirements (GS): From March 23, 2024, this new test replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. The GS asks specific questions to check if the student is really going to study in Australia for a short time. It’s all about making sure students are serious about their studies.
Harder English Requirements:
The English test score requirements will become stricter, with the minimum required score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) increasing from 5.5 to 6.0 (or an equivalent score on other accepted tests).
For students planning to take admission in a packaged English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program, the minimum English proficiency score requirement will rise from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0 (or an equivalent score).
However, students admitted to recognised university foundation or pathway programs that include reputable English language training will still need to meet the previous requirement of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent), with a list of approved courses available on the Department’s website.
For students only pursuing English language study through ELICOS courses, there will be no changes to the English requirements.
Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV): Bachelor’s degree graduates can now stay two years, master’s by coursework graduates two years, master’s by research graduates three years, and Ph.D. graduates three years. But, they lowered the top age for applying from 50 to 35 years with exceptions of Master by Research or PHD students.
New Visa Paths: DOHA is introducing a new “Skills in Demand” visa. If graduates find a job that needs their skills, they may have an easier way to stay in Australia permanently. This benefits the graduates and Australia’s workforce. All these updates show Australia’s commitment to a strong student visa system that supports international students in reaching their dreams. For more services visit Indeed Visa .