Australia has recently undergone a significant overhaul in its visa policy for overseas students. The new policy has been implemented with the aim of attracting more international students and boosting the economy. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s education sector, with students from countries like India and Pakistan making up a significant proportion of the international student population in Australia.
According to recent data, there are around 100,000 Indian and Pakistani students currently studying in Australia. These students contribute significantly to the Australian economy, generating an estimated $14 billion in revenue. They are also highly skilled, with many studying in fields like engineering, medicine, and information technology.
The new visa policy is designed to make it easier for international students to study in Australia and to attract more talented individuals to the country. It includes several key changes, such as the introduction of a simplified visa application process, faster processing times, and the removal of some of the more restrictive conditions that were previously placed on international students.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a post-study work visa, which allows international students to stay in Australia for up to four years after they have completed their studies. This visa is designed to give students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their chosen field, and to help them establish themselves in Australia if they decide to pursue a career in the country.
Former deputy secretary of Australia’s immigration department Abul Rizvi said the changes are positive.
“I think the clearing of the pathways to permanent residence for skilled temporary entrants is indeed a good step.”
Referring to the TSMIT increase, Mr Rizvi said holding the minimum salary since 2013 was a “poor decision” that led to negative outcomes for migrants and Australians.
The migration review “tries to make the system more targeted, more efficient. And I think both of those things can only be good,” he said.
“I think it also highlights the role of immigration in Australia’s future and that’s also useful.”
The new policy has been widely praised by government officials, who believe that it will have a positive impact on the Australian economy. The Minister for Education, Dan Tehan, stated that “our government recognises the important contribution international students make to our economy and our society, and we are committed to supporting them throughout their studies and beyond.”
The Minister for Immigration, David Coleman, also expressed his support for the new policy, saying that “Australia is a welcoming and inclusive nation, and we are proud to offer international students the opportunity to study and work here. This new policy will make it easier for students to come to Australia, and will help us attract the best and brightest from around the world.”
In addition to the economic benefits, the new policy is also expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Australia. By making it easier for international students to study in the country, the policy is expected to lead to an increase in the number of talented individuals pursuing higher education in Australia.
The policy is also expected to have a significant impact on the areas of study that are popular among international students. According to recent data, the most popular fields of study among Indian and Pakistani students in Australia are engineering, information technology, and business. With the introduction of the new policy, it is expected that these fields will continue to grow, as more talented individuals are attracted to Australia to pursue their studies.
Overall, the new visa policy for international students in Australia is a significant step forward for the country. By making it easier for talented individuals to study and work in Australia, the policy is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, the education sector, and the country as a whole. As Minister Tehan stated, “this new policy is a win-win for everyone – for international students, for the Australian economy, and for the Australian community.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
