Study Abroad: Australia hikes saving requirement for international student visa

Amid the high rates of Australian visa rejection, now increased saving requirements are going to affect international students including Indian students as Australia is among the top choices by study abroad aspirants of India.

As per this change, international students need to show proof of savings of at least AUD29,710 ($19,576) to qualify for a student visa. 

Australia tries to curb high migration rate

The recent changes have occurred in the wake of a record surge in migration and rising concerns over fraudulent practices in student recruitment. The government has introduced several measures to make the visa process for international students tougher. They also included a higher IELTS score.

As per the India Today report, a former Australian diplomat to India has expressed concern that such moves could hurt bilateral relations. Australia is reportedly introducing such changes in efforts to cut annual immigration by half.

Australian visas granted to Indian students declined by 48% in December 2023 as compared to the data of December 2022. These changes are raising concerns among Indian aspirants as India is the second highest contributor of international students in Australia.

The Background

After the Covid-19 restrictions eased out in 2022, a lot of people moved to Australia. The increased movement also caused a housing problem in Australia. Also, there are fraudulent practices in student recruitment. Warning letters have been sent to 34 education providers for "non-genuine or exploitative recruitment practices", as told by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil.

"They could face serious consequences, including jail time and a ban on recruiting students, if found guilty. Dodgy providers have no place in our international education sector. These actions will help weed out the bottom feeders in the sector that seek to exploit people and trash the reputation of the sector," O'Neil added.

"We are significantly reducing migration levels - we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia's history, outside of war or pandemic," stated O'Neil.

The increasingly tightened visa rules are creating a lot of challenges for those Indians who were already planning to study in Australia.

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