On 23 March 2024, The Department of Home Affairs has made a number of changes to both the student and graduate student visa. If you have lodged your visa prior to 23 March 2024 these changes will not effect you.
These changes aim to streamline processes and ensure the integrity of the visa system while also addressing the evolving needs of international students.
Student Visa Changes:
Minimum English Proficiency Requirements:
There has been an increase to the minimum English score required for student visa applicants from 23 March 2024; although, there is no change to the validity of the English test as this remains two years.
The minimum scores required are:
- IELTS: overall 6.0
- PTE: overall of 50
- OET: B in each
- TOEFL: overall of 64
- CAE: overall 169
If you are from Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom or United States of America, you are not required to complete an English language test prior to applying for a student visa. There are many other exemptions as well dependent on your individual circumstances.
Graduate Visa Changes:
A further change on 23 March 2024 was the validity of the English test for those applying for a Graduate 485 visa. You must have obtained your English test in the last 12 months prior to applying; test results older than 12 months will result in a visa refusal.
English level has also increased for those applying for a Subclass 485 Graduate visa to:
- IELTS: overall 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 for each component of the test
- PTE: overall of 57, with at least 43 in listening, 48 in reading, 42 in speaking or 51 in writing or equivalent test.
- OET: B in each
- TOEFL: overall of 83, with at least 7 in listening, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking or 18 in writing
- CAE: overall 176 with a minimum score of 162 for each component of the test
If you hold one of the five English-speaking passports (mentioned above) you can provide evidence of your passport in lieu of an English test for the subclass 485 visa.
Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement vs. Genuine Student requirement
As a part of these changes, the Genuine Student requirement was introduced in place of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
The Genuine Student requirement recognises the possibility of a legitimate pathway to permanent residence after studying in Australia. It necessitates that the purpose of travel to Australia is to study. However, where is differs from the ‘GTE’ requirement, is that it acknowledges that after study, applicants may then seek Permanent Residence in Australia.
Although the Genuine Student requirement replaces the previous GTE, the following people will still need to satisfy the GTE requirement:
- Student Guardians
- Those who have lodged their student visa before 23 March 2024
Secondary dependents of student applicants also no longer need to satisfy the GTE. Instead, they will have to satisfy the Genuine Student Dependent requirements.
What does this mean for you?
These changes signify a shift towards a more simplified and transparent process, ensuring a stronger focus on legitimate student intentions. While certain criteria like the English proficiency requirements, have been tightened, these changes have a broader objective of enabling genuine access to educational opportunities in Australia.
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