Studying in Australia: 8 must-know new points for international students

By Jyotirmay Jhaver

Australia is a top choice for international students, offering access 95% of globally ranked universities and 6 of the top 50 student cities. 

       1. Working Hours extended to 48 Hours / Fortnight 

             From 1 July 2023 student visa holders (subclass 500) will be allowed 48 hours per fortnight allowed during study terms and semesters. During Vacanation they can still work full time. Student visa holders already working in the aged-care can continue to work unrestricted hours until 31 December 2023.

        2. Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa

             The Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa, allowing recent engineering graduates to stay, work, or study in Australia for up to 18 months, has been capped since December 22, 2023.

         3. Higher Savings Proof for International Students

              From 1 October 2023, student visa applicants will need to show they have a minimum of AU$24,505 in savings to cover annual living costs.

        4. Change of University not allowed till 6 months 

              International students in the first six months of study cannot change University 

          5. Visa Processing Times

                 Average visa processing time reduced to 16 days

          6. Agreement between India and Australia

                In March 2023, Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced a new education agreement between India and Australia. This agreement, called the Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, is India’s most comprehensive education agreement of its kind with another country.

                The Mechanism means that Indian students obtaining a degree from an Australian university will have that degree recognized in India to continue higher education.

         7. New measures to protect international students

               Australian Government announced new measures designed to protect international students and make them have the best possible experience while studying in Australia. 

         8. Australian Government’s Migration Strategy

               Finally, the biggest reform in Australia’s education kicked off in December last year. One of the many actions, the Australian government has proposed to take in the Migration Strategy is to select temporary skilled migration to address skills needs and promote worker mobility. 

Further, a new Specialist Skills Pathway to make it easier for Australia to attract highly skilled workers, for example in the technology or green energy industries is proposed.

A Core Skills Pathway to meet targeted workforce needs, with a simpler, regularly updated occupation list for the skills Australia needs is also on the anvil.

Are you ready to make Australia your new home!! Apply Overseas will help you find your find dream career abroad. The Author can be contacted by email on applyoverseas.in@gmail.com or phone +91 9879578575 / 7802071947 

Disclaimer:  The Author is not MARA Agent or Immigration Advisor. The information contained in this article is designed to provide general information on matters of interest only and should not be construed as legal advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts involved. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in this resource has been obtained from reliable sources, Apply Overseas or Author and the publishers disclaim any and all liability resulting from reliance upon this information, or from any errors contained herein. This publication does not substitute for the direct reading of applicable laws and government guidance, nor does it constitute legal advice, which can only be obtained from licensed attorneys. Laws and regulations are also interpreted by the government agencies that administer them; therefore, it is impossible to provide detailed, specific information and guidelines to meet every contingenc.