Student visa... What's changed?

Australia's Student Visa: What's changed?

​Let's jump right into it.... What do you need to know about the recent Student Visa changes?

Financial capacity:

The Department has always wanted you to show that you can financially support yourself and your family whilst you are in Australia studying, so this is not new.  What is new is the amount of funds you need to demonstrate.  This has increased to align with inflation and indexation.  Living costs now sits at $29,710AUD for the student alone and funds will need to be evidenced for additional family members – whether they come to Australia with you or not.
You will also need to have your international school fees covered for at least the first 12 months of study, and also for any dependent children who will study in Australia.  You will also show you have enough funds to purchase a ticket to return home.
Yes, you are given work rights; however these are generally limited in hours and are not to be used to fund your stay in the country.  Rather they are to supplement… that is to say, if you are not able to work for any reason, you would still manage whilst continuing your studies, which after all, is the main reason you came to Australia. 

Genuine Student Requirement:

English Language:

This has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant statement.  So why did the Department change this?  Simply, it was to better understand why someone is choosing to come to Australia to study rather than to determine what their long-term migration plan is.  Makes sense right?  So what does this mean for your application? 
You will need to answer some questions and provide supporting documents. Answers need to be concise as you only have a maximum of 150 words per question.
 The questions relate to:

1. your current circumstances such as family construct, community ties, employment and economic circumstances. 
2. you will need to explain why you are choosing to study in Australia instead of in your own country; why you have picked the particular course and school.
3. explain how completing this course will benefit you.
4. give any other details in support of your application.
5. there is an additional questions for those who have previously held a student visa or those who are lodging an application in Australia from a non-student visa.

As all schools and subjects in Australia are taught in English, it is essential that you have a suitable level of reading, writing, comprehension and spoken English to be able to communicate with your peers, teachers and others whilst in Australia.  This also prepares you for whatever the future holds should you continue on your migration journey, especially within the Australian workforce.
If you find that you are not successful in attaining the required English entry score – be it for the visa or for the course itself – you can look to package your studies to include an English course to be taken prior to commencing your qualification.

So what level of English do you need and how do you demonstrate this?

1. The minimum score required for a Student visa from an IELTS test score (or equivalent such as PTE) is 6.0.
2. The minimum score required to undertake a packaged ELICOS/main studies course = IELTS is 5.0.
3. The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS 5.5.

The test providers are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET.
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Things to note:

• Tests can’t be taken more than 2 years prior to lodging your application or from when the Department will make a decision on your application if you didn’t provide this with your application.
• No “at home” or “online” tests will be accepted, even if they are provided by the authorized test providers.
• There are some exceptions so please ask us if you think this is your case.

 
As you can see, there are many things to consider and understand.  This is where a registered migration agent is so important and worth every additional cent to pay for their knowledge, expertise and efficiency in lodging and obtaining a Student Visa.  Don’t get caught out, contact Great Australian Migration to make your migration plans a reality!