Streamlined student visas to grow Australian education
The new coalition Government will move quickly to restore Australia’s international education sector as one of the country’s most important economic contributors.
Minister for immigration, Scott Morrison and minister for education, Christopher Pyne announced a package of measures that would simplify student visas through a streamlined assessment-level framework and by extending streamlined visa processing arrangements to low-risk non-university degree providers.
“The changes will assist all providers, but particularly the vocational education and training sector, making access to Australia’s education system more attractive for overseas students,” Mr Morrison said. “Assessment levels under the ALF would be reduced from five levels to three, while financial evidence for AL3 students would reduce from 18 months to 12 months, provided funds were from a close relative of the student applicant. This would mean students from a number of key markets would be able to apply for a student visa with up to $ 40 000 less in the bank.”
Mr Pyne said the measures would attract more overseas students to Australia, benefit our education system, create Australian jobs and stimulate our economy.
“The non-university sector is an important contributor to our overall education exports,” Mr Pyne said. “These changes would allow the vocational training sector to contribute more freely to our plan to restore Australia’s tertiary education system to its former peak of almost $19 billion in export income for the nation.
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