Australia Restricts International Students Amid Net Migration Goals

Australia is implementing new restrictions on international students to reduce net migration, according to a speech by Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Tony Burke. The reforms include limiting secondary visa applicants for most student visas except for PhD, Pacific or ASEAN, and overseas government-sponsored students.

The new rules also require students switching providers or courses to apply for a new student visa, unless in extenuating circumstances. Additionally, students will only be allowed to continue their studies if they progress to a more advanced qualification.

Keri Ramirez of Studymove noted that the restriction on secondary visa applicants will particularly affect South Asian students, who accounted for 70% of all dependent visas granted last financial year offshore.