Changes to Student Visas
For student visa applications, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement will be replaced with a new Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
It will require evidence to help the Department of Home Affairs ensure that applications are received from genuine students and not those just wanting to work in Australia and find alternative pathways.
In early 2024, the Australian Government will also increase the English language requirements for Student visas. The new English language requirements will better support learning and employment outcomes.
The test score required for a Student 500 visa will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0.
The test score required for students undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before their main course of study will increase from IELTS (or equivalent) 4.5 to 5.0.
The test score required for students undertaking university foundation or pathway programs that deliver reputable English language training will be IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5.
Students will also have to evidence a higher level of savings in order to prove they can support themselves during their course of study.
Changes to Graduate Visas
The length of graduate visa is set to change.
The new visa durations are
· Bachelor degree or Masters by coursework: 2 years
· Masters by research or PhD: 3 years
· Students in regional areas: eligibility for second visa of 1-2 years in length depending on location
The work experience requirement for the TSS visa or its replacement, the Skills in Demand visa, will be changed for Temporary Graduate 485 visa holders, to enable better transition to a temporary skilled migration visa.
A new age limit for Temporary Graduate visa applicants will be introduced:
New English requirements for graduate visa from early 2024:
