INTERNATIONAL students will more easily be able to apply for visas following changes announced by Federal Immigration and Citizenship Minister, Chris Bowen.
The changes, welcomed by the higher education sector, mean the number of assessment levels across a range of student visa subclasses will be reduced, making the visa application process easier for students from 29 countries.
The changes, which will take effect from March 24, are in response to the immigration department’s 2011 review of student visa assessment level settings.
"While it was recommended that some assessment levels be increased, I have decided to only implement the reductions in order to best support Australia's international education sector,'' Mr Bowen said.
Mr Bowen said the changes would help around 10,500 prospective students.
"These changes will particularly benefit the postgraduate research sector, English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students and vocational education and training providers.''
For example, South Koreans studying VET and ELICOS courses and postgraduate research students from China, India and Indonesia will now find it easier to apply for visas, Mr Bowen said.
Universities Australia welcomed the changes to the student visa system as "a terrific outcome''.
“It really is a terrific outcome not just for the higher education sector but for the Australian economy more broadly because at a time we’re seeing manufacturing struggling, tourism struggling, both primarily because of the strong Australian dollar, it’s really important for those industries that are strong to be able to step up to offset some of those economic implications,” said Universities Australia chief executive, Belinda Robinson.
"The international education sector is Australia's third largest export industry, and over the 2010-11 period international higher education students spent an average of $38,000 each in this country on goods, services and fees.
“And as well the stronger our international education industry is, the more affordable education is for Australian students.”
Meanwhile a new report released by ranking provider QS (Quacquarelli Symonds Limited) found Australian cities are among the most attractive study destinations in the world.
Using scores that take into account student mix, affordability, quality of living and employer activity, as well as their own QS World University Rankings, the company compiled a top fifty list of the ''best student cities''.
Ms Robinson said that according to QS, Australia had more cities than any other country in the world listed in the top 50, making it one of the world's most favourable study environments.
If "affordability'' was removed as a criterion, Melbourne and Sydney would be ranked at number 1 and 4 respectively.
"While it may be a little more expensive to live and study in Australia, the quality of living, employment opportunities, student mix and the quality of universities makes Australia a very appealing place for those seeking to study abroad,” Ms Robinson said.
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