International students heading to Australia, there are some updates you should be aware of before you make your way down under. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the latest changes to the Student Visa in Australia, and what you need to know to prepare.
October 2023 Update: Change in How Much Bank Balance is Required for an Australian Student Visa
The Australian government is increasing the amount of financial capacity (also known as ‘show money’) required for a Student visa application. In our FAQs, you can find out more about how this is calculated and whether you need to provide a bank statement when applying for an Australian Student visa or not. Hint: Not everyone has to show the proof upfront.
The important number is $24,505 AUD, which international students should estimate as their living costs for one year in Australia. It used to be $21,041 AUD.
The End of Full-Time Work Rights for International Students
One of the biggest changes in 2023 is the end of full-time work rights for international students, with the changes set to take effect on the 30th of June 2023. The Government is still yet to announce how many hours per fortnight this will be capped for, and if it will revert back to the pre-covid limit of 40 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Let’s hope unrestricted working hours will stay in place at least during the term breaks as it was before. So if you’re already in Australia, enjoy your full-time work rights until the end of June and if you’re just planning to come, reach out to Study Anywhere so we can help you with an affordable course that offers the longest term breaks (up to 16 weeks per year).
Update (February 2023): The new work restriction for Student Visa holders has now been specified. From the 1st of July 2023, international students will be allowed to work 48 hours per fortnight in Australia. While this isn’t good news for most students, at least there is a 20% increase in the number of hours foreign students can work in Australia. Pre-pandemic this limit was at 40 hours per fortnight. We still expect unlimited work rights during the term breaks, however, we’re waiting for the Department of Home Affairs to confirm this.
Small Price Increase of the Student Visa in Australia Since Last Year
International students should also be aware of a recent adjustment in the cost of the Student Visa in Australia. Since July 2022, the visa fee has gone up to $650 AUD for a single applicant. Slight increase but manageable. Just keep in mind that the Department of Home Affairs will charge you more if you are applying for a Student Visa with your partner or renewing your visa onshore for the second or subsequent time.
Update (July 2023): Student visa fee in Australia is increasing again. From the 1st of July 2023, the Department of Home Affairs will charge you $710 AUD when you lodge a single student visa application.
More Affordable Study Options with Study Anywhere
In addition to the increased cost of the visa, courses for international students in Australia are also becoming more expensive. The inflation stuff, you know. However, at Study Anywhere, we can still help you find a course that will fit your budget, with options starting as low as $4,400 AUD per year.
TIP: Here are the cheapest Student Visa courses for 2024 – check them out!
Longer Duration of Graduate Visas
On the plus side, another important change for international graduates in 2023 is the longer duration of some graduate visas. The Australian Government announced the increase in the duration of post-study work rights of international students to address the skill shortages. Post-study work rights for select degrees in some areas are increased from:
- Two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees like this Bachelor of Information Technology (Games Programming) at AIT
- Three years to five years for select Master’s degrees
- Four years to six years for select PhDs.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Travel to Australia
The pandemic is not completely over yet and although the Australian borders are fully open since December 2021, new measures have been put in place for travelers entering Australia, including international students. As of 2023, people entering Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the day of travel. This requirement is subject to change and updates, so it’s important to stay informed of the latest developments and to plan accordingly.
Online Courses Still Available with Study Anywhere
While online course delivery to international students in Australia wasn’t allowed pre-pandemic, this has changed and the regulations became more flexible. However, many schools are slowly moving back to on-campus delivery mode. If you still prefer to take most of your classes online, or just 1-2 days per week on campus, let us know and we can help you with that.
Update (July 2023): Colleges for international students are returning back to face to face course delivery. However, up to one-third of the course can still be completed online. Contact us and we can recommend you the most flexible schools in Australia. Even one day per week timetable is possible.
Stay Informed and Prepared with Study Anywhere
For the most up-to-date information, don’t forget to always check the website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and also keep an eye on our blog and FAQs. You can also always send us a message to enrol and get free help with your Student Visa application from a registered migration agent. Study Anywhere has helped students from 60+ countries to study in Australia since 2015.
