Australia is preparing to enforce stricter regulations for study visa policies starting March 23rd

After Canada and the UK, Australia is preparing to strengthen its immigration regulations for study visas. Starting March 23, the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas will be replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Although this change was announced on December 11, 2023, it will only affect visa applications submitted after March 23, 2024.

The GTE statement has traditionally been a crucial component of the visa application process, demonstrating the applicant's intention to temporarily stay in Australia for studies and then return to their home country. However, this statement will now be replaced by the GS requirement, emphasizing the genuine commitment of individuals applying for study visas to their educational pursuits in Australia.

Under the updated regulations, the required test scores for Temporary Graduate and student visas in Australia are being raised. For the Temporary Graduate visa, the IELTS score requirement will increase from 6.0 to 6.5, while for the student visa, it will rise from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0.

According to the official notification, the validity window for the Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) test is being reduced from 3 years to 1 year. TGV applicants must now furnish proof of having completed an English Language test within 1 year preceding the visa application date.

Furthermore, the Australian government is introducing a new genuine student test for all international students, replacing the existing GTE requirement. Additionally, stringent scrutiny will be applied to high-risk student applications.

Moreover, the financial prerequisites for international students applying for a student visa have been elevated. Applicants are now required to demonstrate savings totaling $24,505.