Stakeholders in Australia are interested in adopting New Zealand’s approach to study visa rules. New Zealand recently announced changes to its study visa regulations, including allowing increased work hours for visa holders and introducing a new visa requirement for students changing providers or study levels.
The move by New Zealand has resonated with the international education sector in Australia, where there have been calls for reforms to the study visa system. Some individuals and associations in Australia believe that linking study visas to the institution of initial enrollment could address issues such as unethical student transfers and misuse of visas.
Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director of Global Reach, highlighted the challenges faced by Australia, where students exploit loopholes to secure visas easily and then switch to different providers. This practice not only affects the efforts of recruitment agents and universities but also raises concerns about the legitimacy of financial documentation when students switch institutions.
Concerns have also been raised about the financial burden on international students in Australia, with a significant number finding daily life more expensive than anticipated. This financial strain has led some students to consider withdrawing from their studies, indicating a need for more affordable education options.
Australia’s current visa system, under Ministerial Direction 111, focuses on assessing the Genuine Student requirement and prioritizing institutions with strong compliance records. However, it falls short of the comprehensive approach taken by New Zealand, which requires a new visa application for students changing providers.
While Australia has made some reforms, stakeholders suggest that the country could learn from the UK and Canada, where students must obtain new confirmations or permits when switching institutions. The reluctance of Australia to adopt similar measures has been questioned, with calls for a more consumer-friendly approach to visa regulations.
Gareth Lewis of Western Sydney University emphasized the need for Australia to align its visa policies with international standards to ensure consumer protection and address issues such as unethical practices in the education sector. The comparison with other advanced economies highlights the potential benefits of updating Australia’s visa system.
As discussions continue on improving Australia’s visa system, stakeholders are exploring ways to enhance the operating environment for international students. The upcoming session at The PIE Live Asia Pacific 2025 will delve into the impact of current visa policies on various education sectors and propose strategies to enhance the student experience.
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