Recently the Morisson government announced that the Australian border would be open for international students and other eligible VISA holders (December 1).
The good news doesn’t end here for international students as Australia announced further support for international students.
This support comes in the form of changes to visa settings. Australia has set forth the provision to extend the temporary graduate visa for master (by coursework) graduates from 2 years to 3 years.
What does the new Visa Setting mean?
According to the Ministers Media Centre, Department of Education, Skills and Employment, these are the new provisions as per new Visa settings:
- Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who cannot travel to Australia due to COVID-19 international border restrictions can apply for a replacement visa. This will allow current and former Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders whose visas expired on or after 1 February 2020 to re-apply for new subclass 485 visas of the same duration as their original visa.
- Additionally, the Morrison Government will increase the length of stay on the Temporary Graduate visa from two to three years for Masters by coursework graduates, matching that of Masters by research graduates. Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector graduates will also receive a two-year Temporary Graduate visa.
- The new visa settings will also extend existing measures for students and temporary graduates to recognise time spent offshore studying online to count towards qualifying for a temporary graduate visa.
This new privilege will offer much-needed flexibility to overseas students.
According to facts and statistics, international student enrollments have reduced by 17% from August 2019 to August 2021.
Will this change boost the recovery process in Australia?
Via this provision, Australia intends to accelerate the COVID-19 recovery process and progress things back to normal as soon as possible.
Alan Tudge, Minister for Education and Youth, said this about the recent announcement.
“This will help ensure the rapid return of international students. It provides clear incentives for institutions and students and ensures students are not disadvantaged by being prevented from coming to Australia earlier.
The changes to VISA settings are more than a support to international students. It is also a significant step to Australian economic recovery”.
Besides the overseas students, Morrison Government has also extended its support to international education providers.
It has declared to provide AUD 53 Million+ of targeted support for international education providers.
|
Talk to an Expert
