Cracking Down on Exploitation in International Education
Action to End Rorts in International Education and Support for Genuine Students, The Albanese Government, in collaboration with the Hon Jason Clare MP and the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, is unveiling a comprehensive set of measures to uphold the integrity of the international education system and provide crucial support to legitimate international students. Given that international education stands as Australia’s fourth-largest export industry, maintaining its quality and credibility is paramount for both the national economy and regional relationships.
Closing the Loophole
Recognizing the significance of international education, the Government has moved to close a concerning loophole. This loophole allowed education providers to transition international students who had been in Australia for less than six months from authentic study programs to arrangements primarily aimed at facilitating work access within the country.
Restriction on Concurrent Enrollments
Data reveals an alarming increase in the utilization of concurrent enrollments in 2023. In the first half of this year, a substantial rise to 17,000 concurrent enrolments was witnessed, which significantly surpasses the combined figures of approximately 10,500 for the same period in 2019 and 2022. Regrettably, investigations have identified this surge as a breach of integrity in the international education sector. Immediate implementation of this change is underway.
Increased Financial Requirements
To ensure the well-being and independence of international students during their studies, adjustments are being made to the financial prerequisites for obtaining a student visa. Since 2019, the financial requirement has remained unaltered and no longer adequately reflects the increased living expenses. Starting October 1, 2023, prospective international students must demonstrate savings of $24,505—a 17% rise from current levels. This adjustment takes into account indexation since 2019 and seeks to prevent vulnerabilities stemming from financial strain.
Enhanced Scrutiny and Documentation
To counteract fraudulent activities in visa applications, heightened scrutiny will be directed towards high-risk groups. Additional documentation will be required to substantiate applications and deter fraudulent practices.
Potential Suspension of Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
The Government is contemplating the utilization of its authority under Section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) to issue suspension certificates to education providers presenting high risks. This unprecedented step would disallow such providers from recruiting international students. The Government is actively soliciting input on prospective regulations to establish clear grounds for employing suspension certificates, including instances of fraudulent documentation and elevated provider refusal rates. Providers with visa refusal rates exceeding 50% are of particular concern.
Forward Momentum
As part of the forthcoming Migration Strategy, slated for release later this year, the Government is examining further measures to bolster integrity within the international education system.
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Source: https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/action-end-rorts-international-education.aspx
