Students applying to study in Australia are being told by universities, like the University of Wollongong, to withdraw their applications before getting visa approval. The reason is the new visa criteria introduced by the Australian government’s migration strategy. These universities believe students may struggle to meet the updated requirements. Students are promised a full fee refund upon withdrawal.
Stakeholders in India are worried as the announced changes, including a new Genuine Student Test and an integrity unit for high-risk providers, have not been put into action. The government plans to introduce ministerial directions, outlining factors like academic progression for decision-makers, and prioritizing visa applications based on provider risk level by the end of 2023.
The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) is deeply concerned, citing undisclosed policy details. They note longer visa processing times and a higher rejection rate, predicting a significant drop in student visa holders this year. AAERI emphasizes the need for implementing the new migration strategy, including the Genuine Student Test details.
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