For several months now, Australia has been taken a series of measures to issue less student visas. Since January 1, 2025, future students must provide a certificate of enrollment together with their application. Applications of candidates who are not able to provide a certificate of registration, will be considered invalid.

Changes in the visa policy

In 2024, Australia tightened a series of regulations regarding student visas. For example, the cost of the student visa doubled, and many more applications were rejected in advance. Also, applicants must now obtain better results in the mandatory English tests. In addition, a ceiling of 270,000 visas per year was set.

Criticism of the migration policy

For several months now, Australia has been confronted with a weak economic growth, ever-increasing inflation, a rising cost of living and a shortage in the housing market. In order to improve the situation, the Australian government wants to reduce inmigration. Critics of the previous visa policy claimed that flexible regulations could lead to abuses and that some people could apply for study visas without really having the intention to study. It remains to be seen if the new measures will have the desired effect.

Educational institutions fear loss of income

Certain educational institutions have already shown their disagreement with the new visa policy. From their point of view, fewer students means less income. Furthermore, their opportunities for growth are limited by the ceiling set on the number of student visas.

The importance of the educational sector in Australia

Australia is one of the countries with the highest number of international students, as opposed to the total number of students in the country. In 2018, 26.5% of Australian students came from another country. There were only 4 countries worldwide with a higher percentage of international students. In 2023, around 8.5% of Australian workers worked in the educational sector, and Australia obtained an income of around 25,6 billion GBP thanks to interntational students. The changes in the visa policy could hit hard the educational sector. This could also have a major impact on the entire Australian economy.

What will change in practice?

Since January 1, 2025, applicants for an Australia student visa are required to produce a certificate of registration, also called Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), along with their application. This is an electronic document, proving that the student has paid tuition and has a health insurance during their study period. Documents such as a letter with a study offer, which were accepted until recently, will not be accepted any longer. Applicants who are not able to provide a confirmation of enrollment before the expiration of their current visa will have to leave the country or apply for another visa.

Are you planning to travel to Australia?

If you are travelling to Australia for a holiday or a short course of up to 3 months, an eVisitor visa will normally be enough. You can easily apply for the eVisitor visa online through this website. There is no limit to the number of eVisitor visas that can be granted. Click here to read more about the requirements of the eVisitor visa. If you have the intention to study in Australia for more than three months, you will need a study visa.