Reiterating the importance and contribution of international students to Australia’s economy and social fabric, the Morrison government has announced five major changes that will impact students who are currently in and outside the country.

Announcing the changes, acting minister for immigration, Alan Tudge said the changes will provide “assurance” to international students already in Australia and those who haven’t been able to travel due to COVID-19 border closures.

“These measures back the international education sector – our fourth-largest export sector – and will assist its recovery,” said Mr Tudge.

Five visa changes:
Here are the changes that have been announced to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students -a cohort of visa holders that contribute $40 billion annually and support 250,000 jobs:

> Government to recommence granting student visas to new students offshore: This means when borders will re-open, students will already have visas and they will be able to make arrangements to travel.
> Free-of-charge visa application: International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
> Online study will be counted towards requirement for post-study work visa: Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.

> Post-study work rights: Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
 > Additional time for providing English language test results: Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.

[ original source ]

READ ALSO:

List of Australia Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students