Explore the changes coming your way as an international student in Australia. We’re here to share insights about the notable adjustments tied to the Subclass 500 (Student Visa Australia).
Important Update: Australian Student visa fee increase
As of the 1st of July 2024, the Australian government has increased the price of a Student visa application to $1,600 AUD. This new fee structure affects not only first-time applicants but also those seeking to renew their visa onshore. For students renewing their visa for the second time or more, an additional $700 Subsequent Temporary Application Charge will be applied.
Furthermore, if you are applying with a partner, the Department of Home Affairs will now charge an extra $1,190 AUD plus a credit card fee to include them in your application. This fee for including a partner has risen significantly from the previous $530 as of the same date. These changes highlight the need for prospective and current students to plan their finances accordingly when considering their study options in Australia. If this Student visa fee increase impacts your plans, consider choosing one of our affordable Student visa courses in 2024. Additionally, make sure to save on your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) with this simple tool.
Student visa Australia: New migration strategy
The Australian education landscape is evolving, and it’s crucial to stay informed. The updated Migration Strategy brings in transparent post-study pathways, allowing temporary stay and work in Australia. For some, this could open doors to permanent residency in Australia, aligning your academic journey with your career aspirations.
The exact start date for these changes remains unclear, introducing an element of uncertainty to their implementation timeline. Keep an eye on this page, as we’ll swiftly update it with more details as soon as they become clear.
March 2024 update: The following changes have now been in effect since March 23, 2024.
Genuine student requirement for an Australian Student visa
Say goodbye to the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and say hello to the new Genuine Student test for your Student visa (Subclass 500) application. This shift should simplify the process.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant Statement (GTE Statement for a Student visa in Australia) is a document or a few sentences in which you, as a Student visa applicant, outline your reasons for studying in Australia and detail your plans after graduation.
If you enrol in your course with Study Anywhere, you can rely on free assistance with your GTE or Genuine Student test from our registered migration agent. This is to make sure your visa application will have the best chance to succeed.
March 2024 update: Find out more about the new Genuine Student requirement in our FAQs.
Higher English language requirements
In 2024, the Australian Government will raise English language requirements for both the Student visa and the Temporary Graduate visas. Be prepared for these adjustments:
- Student visa: Instead of an IELTS score of 5.5 you will need 6.0.
- Temporary Graduate visa: IELTS score increases from 6.0 to 6.5.
- Students enroling in the English language courses (ELICOS): The IELTS requirement moves from 4.5 to 5.0.
- Foundation or pathway programs: The IELTS requirement stands at 5.5.
IELTS is the most popular form of English testing but not the only option when applying for an Australian Student visa. Most of our students prefer to take a free placement test offered by our partner schools before enrolment. In many cases, you may also be completely exempted from English testing for your Student visa application – e.g. if English is your first language or if you studied in Australia before. Contact our team to get a recommendation for your particular case.
Changes to Temporary Graduate visas (Subclass 485)
Post-study work rights for Master’s by coursework students will be reduced from three to two years, and for PhD students, it will be shortened from four to three years. However, there will be no change for Bachelor’s graduates (two years).
While the application process is expected to be simplified, it’s important to note that the maximum age will be lowered to 35 years. Additionally, transferring back to a Student visa while onshore won’t be allowed.
Stay updated
Stay tuned with Study Anywhere as we help you navigate through these changes, making sure you easily understand Australia’s evolving Student visa landscape. If you’d like to enrol and apply for your Student visa before these changes kick in, you may want to check our most affordable courses right now.