The first stage of the implementation of Knight review changes to international education industry wil begin on the 5 November 2011 as per DIAC official website www.immi.gov.au. This is a summary of the changes that will affect (we hope in a positive way) international students who currently study or intend to study in Australia.
New English Language Tests for Student Visas from 5 November 2011
From 5 November 2011, The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will accept English language test results from the following alternative tests to IELTS for student visa purposes taken in any country:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT);
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic;
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English);
Implementing these alternative tests means student visa applicants who are required to provide evidence of their English level proficiency will be able to choose from a wider English language tests providers, according to DIAC official website.
The following table shows the equivalency of the English tests
More information here: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/aelt-faq.pdf Financial easing of arrangement for students applying under Assessment levels 3 & 4 Students applying under Assessment level 3 will need to provide evidence of 18 months of funds (rather than 24 months previously). Students applying under Assessment level 4 will need to provide evidence of 24 months of funds (rather than 24 months previously). If the student shows a cash deposit, the savings history will be for only 3 months (rather than 6 months currently). More information here: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-vet-schools-non-award.pdf
Removal of English Language Requirements for Assessment level 4 ELICOS Students
International students applying under Assessment level 4 subclass 570 (ELICOS), will no longer be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency test to support their claims for the grant of a student visa. Assessment level 4 applicants for ELICOS courses need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency to their proposed education provider rather than the Australian embassy as is the case for all other assessment levels currently. More information here: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/2011-elicos.pdf
No more PVA (Pre-Visa Assessment)
Assessment levels 3 & 4 will need to include eCOEs as part of their student visa applications. This change is intended to reduce the time it takes to process a student visa.
More changes to come
The Department announced that more changes wil come regarding the student visa applications and post-study work rights, however at this stage, no further details have been released.
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