Since the end of 2023, Australia has introduced many policies to tighten student visas and some other visas to reduce the number of immigrants entering the country, ensure the quality of education, limit "virtual" international students, and prevent illegal activities.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said that from July 1, Australia will continue to tighten visa policies. Australia's new policy will no longer allow the conversion of tourist visas (visa 600) to student visas; students with temporary post-graduation work visas (visa 485) will also not be granted a second student visa.

In addition, international students graduating from university in Australia can only stay for 2-4 years with a 485 visa after graduation, instead of 4-6 years as before.

In addition, Australia will increase English language requirements for international students. Instead of just taking a proficiency test to be considered for studying English in Australia, applicants now need to have an IELTS certificate of 5.0.

To study at college or university preparatory school, the requirement is IELTS 5.5, instead of 4.5 as before. At university and postgraduate level, international students need to achieve IELTS 6.0 and 6.5, an increase of 0.5 points.

According to experts, the demand for studying in Australia is still high. Statistics from the Australian Department of Home Affairs show that compared to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of student visa applications in this country in 2023 increased by more than 30%, and in 2024 increased by 70%.

Statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs also show that about 19% of international students were not granted visas in the second half of 2023, the highest in the past 3 years. For Vietnamese students, the rate was 16%.

In addition to student visas, Australia is also tightening some other types of visas such as temporary work visas, skilled visas... The general purpose is to better control migration activities and ensure national security.