The Australian government has announced it will recommence granting international student visas and allow current students to count online study while overseas to ensure the country remains a priority study abroad destination as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
International students contribute AUD$40 billion annually and support 250,000 jobs. However, as a result of border closures due to the coronavirus crisis, around 87,000 (or 22%) of university students remain outside Australia.
The latest announcement by acting immigration minister, Alan Tudge, comes as part of five measures aimed at keeping international students in Australia amid concerns some won’t return once the pandemic subsides.
The changes include:
The government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to Covid-19.
Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to Covid-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to Covid-19.
Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where Covid-19 has disrupted access to these services.
Tudge said the changes provide assurance to international students already in Australia and those who haven’t been able to travel due to Covid-19 border closures.
“These measures back the international education sector – our fourth-largest export sector – and will assist its recovery,” Tudge said.
