Study Abroad: Australia visa applicants need to show higher savings from October 1, says report

NEW DELHI: Indians aspiring to study in Australia need to show at least $24,505 in their savings bank account while applying for an Australia student visa, reported the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australia. This change is to make sure students arriving have enough funds, SBS reported.

The 17 percent increase is also being implemented to ensure that students arriving in Australia don’t seek jobs immediately after joining a programme.

As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1,31,640 international students arrived in Australia in July 2023. This, as per their data, is an increase of 60,420 from 2022 figures.

Australia visa rules change

Clare O’Neil, the minister for home affairs, Australia had reportedly said that the recent announcement of a hike in student visas is to ensure students do not join the workforce.

In February this year, the Australian government changed rules for student visa holders capping the working hours of the students to 48 hours per fortnight which was applicable from July 1, 2023. During the covid period, work restrictions had been removed.

Additional scrutiny will be applied for high-risk international students which will help prevent fraud in applications. Further to this, the government is working on setting up regulations for the suspension of a student if there are discrepancies in their paperwork.

High-risk providers

Suspension certificates will be provided to high-risk education providers under section 97 of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. This will result in the providers not being able to recruit international students thereafter.

Earlier this year, at least five Australian universities placed bans or restrictions on students from India and from other South Asian countries, amidst a surge in fraudulent applications.