Australian U-turn on student immigration

Nieuws | de redactie
7 oktober 2011 | The Australian government responded to fears by universities that the influx of foreign students would collapse over its strict visa policy. Following recommendations of the Knight-report, Australia is lifting visa restrictions for students.

Australia makes a U-turn on its immigration policy forinternational students. After a report by higher education expert MichaelKnight, the Australian government reconsidered its tough stance onforeign students and implemented a fast-track procedure for studentvisas.

Knight put forward 41 recommendations regarding the currentuniversity system which were all accepted by the government. As aconsequence almost all restrictions on the issuing of student visaswere removed. Especially students from India, China and Pakistanare set to benefit from this move.

Pressure from universities

Recently, university officials all over the country had lamentedthat the Australian government toughened rules for foreign visaapplications. They feared a massive loss in tuition fee income asoversea students would move elsewhere.

Right now, Australia is still one of the most successfulcountries in attracting oversea students as the latest “Educationat a Glance” OECD report showed. Stricter visa procedures,however, threatened to undermine this position.

Fewer restrictions

A Chinese applicant for example would have to show proof thatshe had at least AUD100.000 (€73.000) available in funds beforestarting to study in Australia. In the future a declaration thatshe will be able to afford tuition fees and living costs isenough.

Upon graduation students may furthermore stay in the country andchoose any particular occupation they like. Before, this was onlypossible if the foreign student was to fill in a particular jobthat was linked to skills undersupplied in the Australianeconomy.


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