As the academic year kicks off Australia prepares to welcome tens of thousands of students from India continuing the surge in interest in study opportunities in Australia. The increased interest comes after the Australian Federal Government announced extended working visas which could allow for extended visas for up to 50,000 graduating students as part of the ongoing review of Australian Immigration policy.

The Albanese Government has vowed to focus on genuine students, offering extended working visas to those graduating from desired courses, with high levels of English. Students graduating from desired undergraduate courses will be allowed to work in Australia for two years post-graduation. Around one third of all Indian students in Australia are studying a master’s degree and may be granted an additional year’s working visa, giving them three years to work in Australia. The 1800 PhD graduates will be granted a four-year visa.

In partnership with immigration agents based in India, The Australian Government aims to reduce “fake” students, those using the student visa system to gain entry with the goal of working, not studying in Australia.

“As a training provider for thousands of students, from both Australia and abroad, I welcome this review as it means not just quality workers, but quality education standards for our international students. These “pay per seat” training organisations damage Australia’s reputation globally, and it’s our reputation that attracts so many international students here.” Said Ben Klatt of RTO Skills Recognition International.

While the Australian Industry welcomes the change, elements of the new trade deal with India has been criticized. Not only does it mean that students from other countries will not enjoy the same privileges as Indian nationals, it fails to meet the staffing needs for vocational workers.

“Australia’s skilled worker crisis isn’t just at the executive or highly technical end of the market. Vocational training delivers a skilled support workforce, an area where there are dire shortages across so many industries, and regions” said Ben Klatt, Registered Training Provider.