The Australian Government is introducing new measures to assist overseas students affected by the closure of international education providers. Twelve education providers have closed in 2009, affecting about 4,700 students. 'In situations where an education provider can no longer offer a course, the government’s primary concern is the welfare of the student,' Senator Evans said.
Senator Evans said that although most students will be able to complete their studies on their existing student visa, some may need to enrol in a new course that finishes after their existing student visa expires and will require a new visa.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said that from 1 January 2010, overseas students who require a new visa to complete their studies at another school or college will be exempt from paying the $540 student visa application charge.
In the interim, students will be able to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for a refund of their visa application fee if they’ve been affected by the closure of an education provider in 2009 and have had to apply for a new student visa.
Senator Evans said the government is also increasing the minimum financial requirements for overseas students to ensure they can meet their living costs while in Australia.
From 1 January 2010, prospective overseas students will need to demonstrate that they have access to at least $18 000 a year to fund their living costs in Australia, instead of the current $12 000.
Since these enhanced integrity measures were introduced, there has been an increase in the number of applications being withdrawn, from five per cent in July to 17 per cent in September.
And to date, more than 150 agents have had their eVisa access suspended due to evidence of fraud or inactivity.
More information on the changes will be available on the department’s website in coming days.
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