Lana Oconnell
Australia is a popular destination for international students, with about 717,500 international students in the country according to early 2024 figures. However, the Australian government has recently announced a cap on the number of international students, which is expected to come into effect in early 2025. This cap has been met with criticism from the tertiary education sector, with some universities calling it economic vandalism. The government has defended its decision by stating that the reforms will improve the quality and longevity of the sector, while also addressing the country's record migration levels. International students intending to study in Australia must meet certain requirements, including obtaining a student visa, demonstrating English language proficiency, and maintaining adequate health insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 717,500 |
| Worth of international education to the Australian economy in 2022-23 | A$36.4bn |
| Soft cap on the number of international students colleges and universities can accept | 145,000 for public universities, 30,000 for private universities and non-university higher education providers, and 95,000 for vocational education and training institutions |
| Start date of the cap | Early 2025 |
| Students most affected by the cap | International students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework courses |
| Students exempt from the cap | Students in higher-degree research courses |
| Students who may be included in the cap | Primary or secondary school students |
| New visa requirements | Genuine Student requirement (GS), which includes four standard questions and an additional question for students with a previous study visa or who are applying while in Australia |
| English-language proficiency levels | Updated in 2024 |
| Work rights | Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, no limit during recognized school vacations |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa rules and requirements
International students who wish to study in Australia must first be accepted into an Australian educational institute and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before applying for a student visa. The visa application fee in Australia is currently A$535, and from 1 July 2025, student visa fees will start at AUD$2,000 per visa application.
Student visa holders have working rights while in Australia, with a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. Students are allowed to arrive in Australia up to 90 days before their course begins, but they cannot begin working until their course has commenced. Students who work more than the allowed limit may have their visa cancelled. Family members (spouses and children) of international students have the same work rights as the student, with a limit of 20 hours per week.
The Australian government has introduced a cap on the number of international students that colleges and universities can accept, which will come into effect in early 2025. The cap will not apply to students in higher-degree research courses. The government has also implemented tougher minimum English language requirements for international students and increased scrutiny for those applying for a second study visa.
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is a new component of the Australian student visa application, which includes four standard questions and an additional question for previous visa holders or those applying while in Australia. Applicants must provide evidence to support their answers, such as transcripts, employment history, or tax returns. The GS requirement aims to select students primarily interested in studying in Australia and those who will develop skills needed by the country.
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English-language proficiency levels
Australia has recently updated its English-language proficiency requirements for international students. These changes are part of a broader set of policy updates affecting international students in 2024, which include a soft cap on the number of international students that colleges and universities can accept. The Australian government has stated that the cap will improve the quality of the tertiary education industry and address the country's record migration levels.
International students applying for a student visa are advised to check with the Department of Home Affairs on the specific English requirements that may apply to their visa application. The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which is intended to include students whose primary goal is studying in Australia and developing skills that the country needs.
There are several ways that international students can demonstrate English-language proficiency. One way is through recognised English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and Cambridge C2 Proficiency. These tests need to be no more than two years old at the date of course commencement, and only academic tests are accepted.
Students can also demonstrate proficiency through prior education undertaken in English. This can include a completed and recognised secondary education qualification, such as the Cambridge GCE Advanced Levels and International Baccalaureate diploma. Alternatively, students can provide a record of satisfactory achievement in at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) tertiary study in a recognised bachelor's degree or other approved tertiary qualifications within five years of commencing their course in Australia. This prior study must have been undertaken in one of the following English-speaking countries:
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Canada (excluding Quebec)
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland)
- United States of America
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
For some degrees, certain English proficiency tests may not be accepted due to specific external registration or accreditation requirements. These include the Cambridge English C1 Advanced and Cambridge English C2 Proficiency tests. Additionally, if English is not an international student's first language, but they have lived and worked in an English-speaking country continuously for at least five years prior to commencing their course, their English proficiency may be assessed based on their work experience.
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Work rights and restrictions
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. This includes minimum pay and conditions, such as minimum wages and fair working conditions. However, international students must have permission to work in Australia and hold a valid work visa. The number of hours they are allowed to work is defined in their student visa conditions, and these restrictions may include any work experience undertaken as part of their studies.
From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holidays and semester breaks. This does not include work that is a required component of their studies or training, which does not count towards the 48-hour limit. Students obtaining a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, can work unlimited hours, as can their family members. Prior to this date, international students were restricted to 20 hours of work per week, which included volunteer and unpaid work.
International students should be aware of their rights in the workplace, including protections against bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination. If students believe they are not receiving their minimum rights and conditions, or are having other workplace issues, they can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free information and advice, without fear of their visa being cancelled. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps regulate Australian workplaces and ensures that workers' rights are protected and enforced fairly under Australia's workplace laws.
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Health insurance and cover
International students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their studies in the country. OSHC is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa, and students who fail to maintain adequate health insurance risk having their visas cancelled. OSHC provides international students with access to healthcare services without facing financial hardship.
The basic OSHC plan covers essential healthcare services, but it does not include treatments such as dental, optical, or physiotherapy. Students can purchase Extras OSHC to extend their cover to these areas. Additionally, students can buy private health insurance alongside their OSHC to cover any items not included in the basic plan. It is recommended to compare plans and prices from different providers to find the best cover with the highest benefits and lowest cost.
OSHC policies should match the duration of the student's stay in Australia. The start date of the policy should be the same as the student's arrival date in Australia or their student visa grant date, whichever is later. Similarly, the end date of the policy should coincide with the student's departure from Australia or the expiry of their student visa.
Allianz Care Australia is one of the registered health insurers that offer OSHC to international students. OSHC members at Allianz Care Australia have access to qualified doctors 24/7 via phone or video call through the Allianz MyHealth portal and apps.
It is important to note that OSHC is separate from Australia's national health insurance program, Medicare, which does not cover international students.
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Quarantine and restricted items
Australia is notoriously strict about its border controls. Before travelling to Australia, international students must understand the country's travel rules and regulations. Here is some information about quarantine and restricted items for international students travelling to Australia.
Quarantine
International students travelling to Australia are required to quarantine upon arrival, depending on the state and their vaccination status. From 1 December 2021, eligible visa holders, including international students, were allowed to enter Australia without quarantining, provided they were fully vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19 within three days before flying. However, parts of the country with lower vaccination rates may still impose pandemic restrictions. It is essential to check the latest travel advice and requirements before departure.
Restricted items
Australia has strict rules regarding the items that international students can bring into the country. Some items are prohibited, while others require prior permission or need to be declared before entry. Here is a list of some restricted items for international students travelling to Australia:
- Pepper spray and other anti-personnel sprays are prohibited.
- Live plants require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment.
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics are considered "dangerous goods" and are not allowed.
- Certain food items, such as dairy products, may be restricted or require declaration. Some dairy products may be allowed for personal consumption if they meet import conditions.
- Festive items, such as dried fruits, may pose a biosecurity risk and are not allowed.
- Certain sweets and spices, such as cumin, coriander, fennel, dried chillies, and capsicum, are restricted unless they meet specific conditions to protect against pests.
It is important to carefully review the list of restricted items provided by Australian authorities and to declare any items that may be subject to restrictions or special requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, including the loss of goods, prosecution, and financial penalties.
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Frequently asked questions
The GS requirement is the newest part of the Australian student visa application. It includes four standard questions and an additional question for students who have previously held a study visa or are applying for a student visa while already in Australia. The GS requirement is designed to choose students whose top goal is studying in Australia and is more inclusive of students in high-demand fields who also hope to work.
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and can work unlimited hours during recognised school vacations. Family members accompanying the student have the same work rights. However, students and their families are not allowed to begin work until after the course has started.
The Australian cap on incoming international students is expected to begin in early 2025. The cap will not apply to students in higher-degree research courses.
