Student Visa Reform Success

Changes to the Australian Government’s Student Visa program since 2001 have been an outstanding success, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Amanda Vanstone, said today.

‘A statistical review of the program’s performance during 2003-04 has shown that visa approval rates have continued to rise while non-compliance levels have fallen,’ Senator Vanstone said.

‘As a result, the Student Visa Assessment Levels for a number of countries and education sectors will be reduced from April 2005 to reflect the lower risk, providing more people with the opportunity to study in Australia.’

The Minister said the English language and financial test for student visa applications from certain countries and education sectors will be lower.

‘This is good news for Australia’s international education industry as it will help the industry grow,’ Senator Vanstone said.

‘Overseas education is one of Australia’s largest export industries, estimated to provide revenue in the vicinity of $5.2 billion.

‘The Australian Government recognises that new markets must be opened so that the Australian overseas education industry can continue to grow – however, students must actually study in Australia and abide by their conditions,’ she said.

During 2003-04 a record number of student visas were granted – 171,616– an increase of more than five percent on 2002-03.

Further details of the Assessment Level changes can be found on the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website http://www.immi.gov.au/study/providers/lcu.htm.

- Media release from the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs