Australia tightens student visa rules to prevent dual-study
- August 29, 2023
- Posted by: Sandeep
- Category: news
Australia tightens student visa rules to prevent dual-study
The Australian government has closed a loophole that allowed foreign students to study at two different institutions at the same time. The new rules, which came into effect on August 26, 2023, require students to be enrolled full-time at one institution in order to be eligible for a student visa.
The loophole was previously used by some students to enroll in cheaper vocational courses while they were studying at a university. This allowed them to defer their university studies without losing their visa status.
The government said the loophole was being exploited by some students and providers, and that it was necessary to close it to protect the integrity of the student visa system.
The new rules will apply to all new student visa applications from August 26, 2023. Students who are already in Australia on a student visa will be allowed to continue studying at two institutions until the end of their visa term.
The government said it would work with affected students to ensure that they can complete their studies.
The closure of the loophole is likely to have a significant impact on the Australian education sector. It is estimated that around 17,000 students were using the loophole in the first half of 2023.
The sector is already facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a decline in international student enrolments. The closure of the loophole is likely to further dampen demand for Australian education.
However, the government said it was confident that the sector would remain resilient. It pointed to the fact that Australia remains a popular destination for international students, and that the government is committed to supporting the sector.
The closure of the loophole is a significant development in the Australian student visa system. It is a sign that the government is serious about protecting the integrity of the system and ensuring that it is being used for its intended purpose.
The new rules are likely to have a mixed impact on students and providers. Some students may be disappointed that they will no longer be able to use the loophole to defer their university studies. However, others may welcome the change, as it will make it more difficult for students to exploit the system.
Providers that offer vocational courses may also be affected by the new rules. Some providers may lose students who were using the loophole to defer their university studies. However, others may benefit from the change, as it will make it easier for them to attract students who are only interested in studying vocational courses.
Overall, the closure of the dual-study visa loophole is a significant development in the Australian student visa system. It is a sign that the government is serious about protecting the integrity of the system and ensuring that it is being used for its intended purpose.
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