Australia (Commonwealth)_Australia’s government has recently released its much-anticipated Migration Strategy on December 11, 2023, heralding what has been dubbed as “the biggest reforms to migration in a generation.” Spearheaded by Dr. Martin Parkinson, the review leading to the strategy concluded that the migration system was in urgent need of repair, estimating a decade-long effort for restoration.
The impact of these reforms on the AUS$30 billion-per-year international education sector is profound. Although there is no mandated cap on international student numbers, the introduced policies are poised to exert downward pressure by enhancing scrutiny on study and work visa applications. The financial requirement for visa applicants has surged by 17%, reaching AUS$24,505.
Significant policy changes, including reductions in post-study work rights, are anticipated to discourage long-term stays by international students in the country. The overarching goal of these reforms is to rebuild Australia’s migration system, aiming to identify and attract individuals who can contribute substantially to the nation’s workforce skills, exports, and living standards.
A pivotal focus of the Migration Strategy is to strengthen the integrity and quality of international education. Eight key actions outlined in the strategy include a package of integrity measures aimed at raising standards for both international students and education providers. The measures include increasing minimum English language requirements, additional scrutiny for high-risk student applications, and cracking down on unscrupulous education providers.
To address issues stemming from the pandemic, the government will establish a Department of Home Affairs’ “student visa integrity unit” with an initial funding of AUS$19 million. This unit will work towards preventing the exploitation of students and safeguarding Australia’s reputation as a high-quality international education provider.
The inability of international students to travel to Australia during the pandemic led to a financial toll on educational institutions. Post-COVID growth, while effective in bringing back international students, was partly driven by non-genuine students and unscrupulous providers exploiting regulatory loopholes and pandemic-era visa concessions.
To discourage non-genuine students, the government is introducing a “Genuine Student Test” and exploring increased regulation of agents through the expansion of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. VET providers and agents will face heightened scrutiny, placing downward pressure on migration levels.
A critical aspect of the strategy is the commitment to reducing “permanent temporariness.” The Genuine Student Test will require students to prove that additional courses complement their degree, discouraging prolonged stays without seeking permanent residency. Adjustments to post-study work rights, including no extensions except in regional areas, aim to address the issue of graduates working in low-skilled jobs.
In a move to preserve the integrity of the education system, higher English-language thresholds will be introduced in early 2024. This includes increased IELTS scores for the Temporary Graduate Visa, Student Visa, ELICOS courses, and university foundation or pathway programs.
Recognizing the erosion of public confidence in both international education and the migration system due to non-genuine students and unscrupulous providers, the strategy emphasizes the importance of retaining the “social license” for Australia’s international education system.
Australia joins Canada and the UK in actively scrutinizing international student growth. These nations are transitioning from encouraging unregulated growth to imposing more stringent policies around student and work visas, prioritizing students with specific credentials and in-demand skills. The reforms across these countries underscore a commitment to maintaining the integrity of their education systems while protecting students from exploitation and ensuring sustainable migration levels.
