By Sudeep Rai
Recent changes to Australia’s student visa processing system are creating ripples across the international education sector. These new policies will likely impact how and where international students pursue their studies. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and the numbers you need to consider when planning your education in Australia.
1. Slower Processing After 80% Threshold
The government will now prioritise visa applications only up to 80% of a university’s “prioritisation threshold.” Beyond that, visa applications will be processed at a slower rate.
For prestigious institutions like the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales, this could lead to a significant impact, as their international enrolments are expected to reduce by up to 15% compared to 2023 figures.
2. Fewer Visas Granted in 2023–24
Australia granted 60,000 fewer Higher Education Visas in 2023–24 than in the previous year. This was partly due to earlier directives, such as Ministerial Direction 107, which limited processing priority to “low-risk” institutions—a policy heavily criticised by regional universities.
The new directive aims to address this by allowing applications to flow more evenly across all universities.
3. Net Migration Trends Impacting Students
The mid-year budget update revealed that net overseas migration (NOM) will grow by 340,000 this financial year—80,000 more than earlier projections. International students make up about 35% of temporary migrants, making them a focal point for the government’s attempts to manage migration numbers.
This push to reduce overall migration has led to policies like these visa processing changes, as well as the government’s earlier attempt to cap international student enrolments at 270,000—a plan blocked by Parliament.
4. Impacts on Regional Universities
Regional universities are expected to benefit from the new directive, which aims to distribute visa processing resources more fairly. Smaller institutions have struggled under previous policies, with many labelling them “disastrous.”
For international students, this could mean faster visa approvals for regional universities, along with the opportunity to explore unique academic and community experiences in these areas.
What to Consider Moving Forward
As an international student, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Start Early: Visa processing may slow after 80% of a university’s threshold is reached, so apply early.
- Explore Regional Options: Smaller universities may see faster processing times.
- Stay Informed: Track updates as visa processing and migration targets evolve.
- Seek Expert Advice: Book a consultation with AzSigma Services for tailored, genuine guidance on navigating the new visa policies.
Contact Us
For personalised advice and expert assistance with your study plans in Australia, book a consultation with AzSigma Services today!
For more detailed information, refer to the original article.
Source: Original Article
