New updates for international students studying in Australia starting from January 2025

Australia values international students and their contributions. These updates aim to enhance education quality, prevent unethical practices, and strengthen the education system. By setting maximum enrolment numbers, preventing conflicts of interest, and halting recruitment by providers under investigation, the government aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for international students.

1. Student Caps

• New Limits: Limits on the number of international students per institution to keep things balanced.

• Extra Room for Accommodation: Universities with adequate student housing can increase their caps.

• Starting Date: Effective from January 1, 2025.

2. Protecting Students

• Shutting Down Frauds: Closing inactive educational institutions to prevent fraudulent courses.

• Pausing Recruitment: Schools under investigation can't recruit new international students until compliant.

• Proving Quality: New institutions or courses must show a 12-month track record of quality education to local students.

• Support for temporary visa holders: Nearly $1 billion over five years for the Leaving Violence Program, including financial support and legal aid for those fleeing domestic violence.

• National Student Ombudsman: Starting February 1, 2025, they will help students with complaints about their education providers.

3. Funding for Migration Reform

• $18.3 Million Allocation: For vital changes to the migration system.

• Worker Rights Education: $15 million for educating overseas workers about their rights.

• Data Matching Pilot: $1.9 million for a scheme to match income and employment data to prevent exploitation.

4. Visa Changes

• National Innovation Visa: Replacing the Global Talent visa to boost growth in key sectors.

• Temporary Skill Shortage: From 23 November 2024, applicants need only one year of work experience instead of two.

• Visa fees: There is currently no change to the visa application fees for international students however this might change in the coming months.

As an international student, these changes aim to make your education in Australia even better and more secure. Continue applying to universities as usual. IDP teams will stay up to date with the latest information and will guide you through the changes as the new rules are confirmed and take effect.