Australia's Migration Strategy 2024 for International Students

Key Point:

Australia unveiled its 2024 migration policy plan, which intends to modernize the nation's immigration framework.

Overview:

As we step into 2024, the Australian government has unveiled a nuanced migration strategy that promises to reshape the experience for students from around the world.

On December 11, 2023, the government unveiled its Migration Strategy, which presents a revised vision for Australia's immigration system along with a policy road map that includes over 25 new policy commitments, eight major actions, and opportunities for future reform.

Action:

The Australian government is introducing a first set of policies to encourage the integrity of the global education system and to facilitate the study of real international students in Australia.

In order to facilitate work in Australia prior to study, the government has:

• Eliminated a loophole that permitted international students to transfer to lower-quality education providers.

• It raised the minimum savings required for foreign students to qualify for a student visa. This requirement, which hasn't been updated since 2019, need to account for rising living costs. Applicants must now provide proof of $24,505 in savings, a 17% increase above prior requirements.

Unpacking Australia's Migration Strategy 2024: New Commitments

Among the new commitments are the following:

Raise the English Language Proficiency:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score (or equivalent) of 6.0 will now require a score of 6.5 to be obtained for a Temporary Graduate visa.
• The score of IELTS (or equivalent) will now be required for a Student visa. The exam score needed to enroll in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) prior to starting their primary course of study will rise from IELTS to 6.0 (or equivalent).
• The minimum score needed to enroll in university foundation or gateway programs that offer respectable English language training is between 4.5 and 5.0

Implementation of a New Test:

• For all overseas students, the government will implement a new test called Genuine Student. The Real Student Exam will undoubtedly encourage applications from sincere students and deter those who are not sincere from applying to Australia's foreign school system, as their main goal is to work rather than study.
• The Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement to acknowledge that post-study temporary migration (and beyond) pathways are available for persons who may be qualified will be replaced by this test. Simultaneously, it will be evident from the new Genuine Student exam that the great majority of overseas students enrolled in Australia will eventually return home.

Strengthen and Streamline Temporary Graduate Visas:

• Former holders of student visas are eligible for graduate visas. After completing their studies, international students can obtain job experience in Australia's workforce thanks to the visa, which grants them full employment rights.
• According to the Migration Review, the majority of "permanently temporary" migrants are former students. The review also revealed that more than half of those with temporary graduate visas are employed in low-skilled positions and aren't accumulating the required amount of skilled work experience to qualify for a skilled permanent visa.
• As a result, about 19,000 graduates and students have spent nine years or more onshore. Due to their temporary status, these migrants encounter difficulties in the employment market and are unable to properly establish a life in Australia.

Developing a New, Three-Pathway Skill-in-Demand Visa:

• Specialists Skills Pathway is designed for foreign nationals with advanced skills who earn at least AUD 135,000 annually on average. The pay must be comparable to that of Australian workers in the same field.
• Core Skills Pathway: For foreign nationals working in professions listed on the new Core Skills Occupation list. Additionally, applicants must make at least the same amount of money as the income criterion for temporary skilled migration.
• Essential Skills Pathway is designed for foreign national employees who possess an essential skill and make AUD 70,000 or less annually.

Peering into the Future:

As we stand at the crossroads of 2024, Australia's migration strategy for international students not only reflects the present but also paints a compelling picture of the future.

The horizon, illuminated by the collective efforts of the government, educational institutions, and the students themselves, reveals a landscape of possibilities and opportunities.

• A Dynamic Global Education Hub
• Industry Integration and Employability
• Technological Integration and Virtual Learning
• Enhanced Support Ecosystem
• Sustainable Practices and Global Citizenship

The migration strategy serves as a compass, guiding Australia towards a future where the pursuit of knowledge and the realization of dreams know no bounds.

In the coming years, as the strategy unfolds, international students will find themselves not just welcomed but actively encouraged to contribute to the rich tapestry of Australia's global education community.

Conclusion:

Australia's Migration Strategy 2024 is not just a document; it's a commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive education system.

In order to better meet the nation's labor demands, the government will also take action to change some of the current routes.

Though the system cannot be changed quickly, these are substantial improvements that will bring about considerable and long-lasting change.

A comprehensive reform strategy has been formulated. To implement these reforms, view the government's action plan.

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