This Week’s Australia Study Abroad Weekly

By Jess

On 2 September 2023, Issue 300 of the Study Abroad Weekly arrives right on schedule~ This issue is brought to you by Newstarsec education and migration consultant Jess.

Our Saturday Study Abroad Weekly rounds up all the biggest study-abroad stories:

Dear study-abroad friends, welcome to our Study Abroad Weekly! Here you’ll find the hottest news, visa updates and all kinds of study-abroad content — your complete guide to studying overseas.

We’ve gathered a wealth of scholarship information to help you realise your study-abroad dreams. We’ve also put together sample offer and application documents, so you can prepare your materials with confidence and move one step closer to your dream institution.

On top of that, the Study Abroad Weekly brings you the latest happenings on campus to keep you closely connected, along with highlights from key events at Australian institutions, giving you a fuller picture of student life.

Whatever you’d like to know about studying abroad, you’ll find the answer in the Study Abroad Weekly. To help more friends stay up to date, please feel free to share and forward it — so the Study Abroad Weekly can bring you the freshest, most useful content every weekend!

This week’s highlights:

1. A bold overhaul! Australia’s student visa system is changing — the GTE may become history, and Conditional CoEs will no longer be issued!

2. Major changes to Subclass 408 application requirements — plan ahead!

3. A few fields become the “chosen ones”! Is WA leading the charge, with NSW close behind?

4. The latest news on UNSW offer applications

5. Applications to Victorian public schools for Term 1, 2024 close on 6 November

6. Essential tips! With student visa refusal rates staying high, how to avoid a refusal

7. This financial year’s state nomination quotas are finally out — down 65%–78%!

A bold overhaul — Australia’s student visa system is changing!

Australia is making major changes to its student visa system, aiming to further safeguard the genuineness and transparency of student visa applications.

First, the Conditional CoE arrangement has been scrapped to address the issue of students switching providers.Previously, some students would enrol at one school and then switch to another, sidestepping the rules on changing providers. By removing the Conditional CoE arrangement, the Australian Government aims to prevent this and uphold the integrity and legitimacy of student visas.

Second, the soon-to-be-introduced GST (Genuine Student Test) will replace the existing GTE requirement.This test will assess applicants’ genuine intention to study more comprehensively. The aim of introducing the GST is to close loopholes in student visa grants and ensure that only applicants with a genuine purpose of study are granted a visa — a move that will further lift the quality and reputation of Australia’s study-abroad environment.

Major changes to Subclass 408 applications — be prepared!

From today onwards — that is, after 2 September 2023 — only existing Subclass 408 visa holders may lodge a new Subclass 408 application, which can be submitted within 28 days before or after their 408 COVID stream visa expires.What’s more, applications lodged from now on will only be granted a visa valid for six months, with an application fee of AUD 405 payable.

It has now been confirmed that processing of all Subclass 408 COVID Stream visa applications will conclude in February 2024.At that point, the 408 COVID transition visa will exit the stage for good! For students about to face an awkward gap period, it’s essential to plan ahead for life after graduation and prepare early — considering a reliable further student visa to buy yourself more time is a very sensible strategy~! In short, do make sure you plan your future sensibly and in good time.And remember not to miss the deadline for lodging your Subclass 485 visa — message us for the specific requirements and we’ll be happy to help.

A few fields become the “chosen ones”! Is WA leading the charge, with NSW close behind?

Western Australia has now officially announced occupations across four priority fields: construction and building; health care and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; and education and training.Graduates in these fields will be treated as priority-tier applicants for WA state nomination. In particular, construction and building is the skill WA is most short of right now.

NSW is close behind, indicating it will use its state nomination programme to help address skills shortages in health, education and infrastructure (though the NSW occupation list has not yet been released)

Looking at the broader trend, applicants in these fields will enjoy greater chances of being invited and better employment opportunities.

These changes show that Australia is interested not only in high-end talent but also in professionals across infrastructure and social welfare. If you’re planning to study and migrate, the priority status of these fields could open up new opportunities for your future plans.

See the table below for the specific occupations — for details, message our Newstarsec consultants~

The Latest on UNSW Offer Applications

1. Applications for 2023
T3 are now closed and no new applications are being accepted.

2. For T3 2023 applications already lodged, any that have not completed their supporting documents will be deferred to T1 2024.

3. In addition, assessment of T1 2024 applications will not begin until after 5 September.

Enrolment Applications for Victorian Public Schools’ First Term Next Year Are About to Close

Enrolment applications for Term 1, 2024 at Victorian public schools close on 6 November 2023.This means that any parents wishing to enrol their children in a Victorian public school must complete and submit their enrolment application before that date. Please be sure to lodge on time, so your child has the opportunity to start at a Victorian public school at the beginning of Term 1, 2024.

Essential Tips: How to Minimise the Risk of a Student Visa Refusal

NO.6

We hope this helps everyone currently applying — or about to apply — to an Australian university. Be sure to review your personal circumstances carefully and prepare thoroughly before you lodge, so you don’t get refused during this sensitive period because of incomplete documents. If you have any questions, do consult a professional for guidance and support. Here are some tips we hope will genuinely help~

Choose the right course and institution: Opt for well-regarded, reputable institutions and courses to improve your chances of success. Choosing a course that aligns with your background and career plans makes your application more coherent and credible.

Meet the requirements: make sure you satisfy both the institution’s and the visa’s requirements, including English test results, academic results and evidence of funds. Falling short of these can lead to a refusal.

Prepare complete and accurate documents: When you lodge, make sure you provide accurate application materials, including the correct forms, the visa fee, your passport, English test results and academic transcripts. Inaccurate or incomplete documents can lead to a refusal.

Be honest and transparent: Provide truthful information throughout the application and avoid submitting false documents or concealing important information. Case officers will verify your details, and any false information can result in a refusal and an adverse record for the future.

A strong academic record: If you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course, a solid academic record will improve your chances of success.

A clear study plan: Provide a clear, specific study plan explaining why you’ve chosen this course, your career plans, and what you intend to do once you’ve completed your studies in Australia.

Sufficient evidence of funds: provide adequate evidence of funds to show you can cover your tuition fees and living costs. Insufficient evidence can lead to a refusal.

Apply in good time: Plan ahead and lodge your application early to allow enough time for assessment and preparation. Avoid lodging right before the term starts, so you’re not refused for lack of time.

Use professional advice: Consider seeking help from a professional migration agent or education agent, who can give you expert guidance on preparing your documents, the application process and more.

Understand the reasons for a refusal: If a previous student visa application was refused, make sure you understand why and address those issues in your next application.

State Nomination Quotas Cut by an Average of 70% This Financial Year

NO.7

The much-anticipated 2023 state government skilled migration quotas have just been revealed — and the results have taken the industry by surprise.Compared with the same period last year, quotas have fallen by a staggering 65% to 78%!

While this change is a challenge for many, there’s no need to be overly concerned.

If you’re an applicant planning skilled migration, we recommend consulting a professional early to understand the latest policies and changes, and to map out a study-and-migration plan suited to your own circumstances.

Top Australian University Offer Show

Good news keeps rolling in from the study-abroad world this week~ Against a backdrop of shrinking skilled migration places, choosing an excellent institution and field of study — a consistently sound decision — will also create more opportunities for your future career plans! Get in touch with us now for more details!

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Catch Up on Past Articles

Offshore applicants: preparing as a couple can boost your chances of an invitation!

In fact, many people overlook the most expensive hidden cost on the migration journey: time.

All the 2023–24 state nomination quotas are out! Will this financial year be a good one?

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[Australia Study Abroad Weekly, Issue 300] Australia’s student visa system is being overhauled! A few fields are now the migration-friendly “chosen ones”! And how to avoid a student visa refusal!

Offshore applicants: preparing as a couple can boost your chances of an invitation!

In fact, many people overlook the most expensive hidden cost on the migration journey: time.

All the 2023–24 state nomination quotas are out! Will this financial year be a good one?

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