Australia (Commonwealth)_In a bid to recalibrate immigration levels and enhance the integrity of the student visa system, the Australian government has recently unveiled a comprehensive migration strategy set to influence the higher education landscape in 2024. The strategic shift, outlined on December 11, follows an independent review and promises heightened scrutiny of visa applications along with more stringent English language proficiency requirements for prospective students.
A key facet of the government’s initiative is the creation of a Skills in Demand visa, aimed at streamlining entry for highly skilled workers. This move is anticipated to facilitate a faster approval process, fostering an environment conducive to attracting and retaining top-tier global talent.
However, the impact of the strategy is poised to be particularly felt within the higher education sector, where dramatic cutbacks to immigration and changes to student visa regulations are set to unfold. The alterations, though primarily targeting non-university providers—some colloquially referred to as ‘ghost colleges’ for their purported lack of substantive education—will also introduce new obstacles for international students enrolling in Australian universities.
Amidst the recovery of the international student market from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the government’s strategy aims to address concerns about students engaging in low-paid jobs while ostensibly pursuing education. This is especially pertinent to non-university providers, where the lack of genuine educational offerings has become a cause for scrutiny.
The forthcoming changes include an elevation of English language standards for students, a reduction in the duration of post-study work rights—particularly affecting doctoral students who will see their post-graduate work rights cut from four to three years—and the introduction of a “21-day service” guarantee for processing work visas. Notably, extensions for post-study work rights will only be available to individuals who have studied in regional areas.
A dedicated section within the Department of Home Affairs is slated to handle student visa matters, a move designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency within the system. Simultaneously, the sector awaits the Australian Universities Accord, which could potentially include a levy on international students, the proceeds of which would be distributed across higher education providers.
While the changes have been met with a mixed reception, Catriona Jackson, Chief Executive of Universities Australia, expressed a positive stance on most aspects of the government’s strategy. Jackson welcomed the introduction of a “genuine student test” and the creation of new visa streams designed to attract researchers to Australian universities, as well as retaining more international graduates within the country.
However, she cautioned against changes that could impede the influx of genuine students, emphasizing the significant benefits they bring both during and after their studies. Jackson stated that the university sector, particularly the vice-chancellors’ group, opposes further restrictions, including potential caps on student numbers. Despite the changes, she remains optimistic that genuine student numbers will not experience a drastic decline.
Higher education analyst Andrew Norton weighed in on the reforms, acknowledging that they would present challenges for universities relying on migration-motivated international students. Nevertheless, Norton deemed the changes timely, asserting that they would help “restore the balance” between the education sector’s self-interest and the broader interests of international students and the Australian community.
Education Minister Jason Clare underscored the government’s commitment to preventing student exploitation and safeguarding Australia’s reputation as a high-quality international education provider. The strategic changes, he asserted, are geared towards achieving these objectives, ensuring a more robust and equitable higher education landscape in the years to come.
