As per recent change in student visa policy by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA). it will make more difficult for international students to change their study course in Australia after July 1, 2022.
The Australian government will be altering the rules for Australian student visa (subclass 500) holders, which is predictable to come into effect this July 2022.
Estimating an explanatory announcement issued by the federal home minister. NRI Affairs said the legislation “inserts a condition for Subclass 500 Student visa holders studying, or aiming to undertake, higher education trainings that they must not change their course of study, or study topic unless approved by the Minister”.
“The Minister cannot support the change unless fulfilled that there is not an irrational risk of unwanted transfer of precarious skill by the visa holder,” it reads.
In other words, international students who have previously enrolled in a course at an Australian campus will not be allowed to switch their course of study, thesis or study topics after the stated time period unless approved by the Minister.
Switching studies in Australia: Understanding the new rules
The DHA’s website notes that international students in Australia must not undertake or change courses of study, thesis or research topic without the authorization of the Minister, for a:
- graduate certificate
- graduate diploma
- master’s degree
- doctorate, or any linking course required as a requirement to a course of study or research for a master’s degree or doctorate
The change in student visa Australia rule was brought about by the Department of Home Affairs to rise security actions to protect the country’s national security by averting unwanted transfer of serious technology by the visa holder.
So, what does the forthcoming hold for international students? Are they intended to continue their enrolled studies in Australia until study completion, or are there other choices that would help them change their studies in Australia?
Check visa conditions via VEVO
Current postgrad international students in Australia can log in to their Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) or immigration account to see if their student visa will be affected by the visa policy change that is predictable to take effect from July 1, 2022 onwards.
Apply to change courses before July 1, 2022
For current scholars enrolled at Australian universities who propose on changing their courses, they may consider doing so before the” no course-switch” law is predictable to come into effect.
Seek advice from an expert
Students can consider a registered migration agent or an education consultant for professional advice geared in the direction of their individual conditions.
