Australia opens doors to international students

Australia, 3rd October: With change in Australian visa rules for foreign students, the nation is ready to welcome an increased number of foreigners to come to Australia and study here

The changes in Australian student visa norms mean a fast-track student visa process for aspirants to this nation.

Changes in Australian visa rules—a welcoming surprise--The changes are positive for all and by relaxing the earlier restrictions introduced in Australian visa rules, the government seems to have surprised many, including vice-chancellors of Australian universities.

No wonder, the new Australian student visa rules are going to result in an increased number of applications from international students hailing from India, China and several other Asian nations.

Changes aim to curb declining international student enrolments--It may be recalled that the latest changes to the Australian student visa rules are in direct response to the noticeable decline in the number of applicants for Australian visas for studying here.

Around two years ago, Australian government launched a crackdown on the bogus or unscrupulous educational institutes and universities in Australia alluring foreigners to come to Australia and gain Australian permanent residency by using the Australian student visa route.

This was aimed to control large scale enrolments in courses like hairdressing and cookery to get permanent stay in Australia by a large number of unskilled immigrants having poor English skills.

International students found it quite difficult, if not impossible, to gain Australian student visas for studying here due to tougher student visa norms coupled with increasing Australian dollar.

International students- a good source of revenue to Australian economy—A large number of foreigners wanting to study abroad chose to opt for the US or Canada for studying there. This dealt a big blow to the international education sector of Australia which was, hitherto, a tremendous source of revenue for the nation’s economy.

As per the available figures for the year 2009, foreign students provided around AUD 18 billion to the Australian economy in the form of fee from around 500,000 international students in various universities, schools and colleges of Australia.

As per the new rules by the government of Australia, vice-chancellors will enjoy independence in recruiting as many international students as they like. These new rules are likely to boost international student enrolments in Australia.