Student visa and policy changes

The Australian Government has announced significant policy changes affecting Australia's international education sector through a range of reforms to strengthen the integrity and quality of international education:

• In December 2023, the Migration Strategy which included several policy changes specific to international education and student visa settings, was released.
• In May 2024, the Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework - Department of Education, Australian Government (the Draft Framework) was released.
• In May 2024, the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament. This legislation underpins several of the policy changes outlined in the Draft Framework, and includes additional measures intended to enhance education agent and education provider integrity.
• On 1 July, the Federal Government announced an increase in the student visa application fee from AU$710 to AU$1600 with immediate effect.

The Victorian Government is providing two public submissions to the Australian Government on the Draft Framework and a Senate Inquiry into the Bill.