IMPORTANT NEWS - Changes in Student Visa Assessment Levels - 1 September 2008

Key changes to Chinese students are as follows:
Independent ELICOS changes from AL4 to AL3

Countries affected: China
Implications: An IELTS score is no longer required.

Non Award changes fromAL4 to AL3

Countries affected: China, Laos
Implications: The IELTS requirement has been lowered from 5.0 for packaged ELICOS to 4.5 for packaged ELICOS and the maximum length of study increased from 20 weeks to 30 weeks.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has undertaken a review of the student visa Assessment Levels (ALs). This review has resulted in changes to the Assessment Levels for 52 countries in one or more education sectors. The new Assessment Levels will be in effect from 1 September 2008. Student visa applications lodged on or after 1 September 2008 will be subject to these new Assessment Levels. As of 1 September 2008 Form 1219i Overseas Student Program - Assessment Levels will reflect the new Assessment Levels.

These changes will assist the international education industry to work towards greater diversity of nationality within the various program types and language levels within the student body. Of particular interest to the ELICOS sector is the change for Independent ELICOS visas from China from AL4 to AL3, meaning that applicants interested in stand-alone English programs will no longer have to take an IELTS test. Understanding the risks associated with opening up the stand-alone English market in China will be critical for the industry in order to maximize the opportunities without impacting negatively on the large numbers of Chinese students that currently study in English academic pathway programs and in the other sectors.

Analysis:

The Australian Government will change the assessment of 570 and 575 visas from the original level 4 to level 3 is a great piece of good news to especially Chinese students whose IELTS results yet to reach 5. This new policy is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1, 570 visa applications no longer need IELTS results, which mean that students with no results of the English test can apply for an independent English course visa to study English in Australia, pending main course visa application until their results of English to meet the requirement. This way can avoid the previous situation that many students want to learn English in Australia but IELTS fail to achieve the requirements of visa applications, thus has provided more opportunities for students studying abroad in Australia.

At the same time, any types of social citizens can apply for the independent English courses visa to realize their dream of "gold-plated" in Australia, and are not restricted in any language results. However, 570 visas applications have been few successful (only a few cases a year nationally), whether the policy have a far-reaching impact on the domestic student remains to be seen.

2, we know that in cases of applying for preparatory courses (including English intensive courses, or other university foundation courses) and the packaged courses, the majority should apply for the types of student visa of main course. For example, for English strengthen courses + the undergraduate courses, students must apply for 573 visa category. If the applicant is able to submit the electronic registration confirmation notices (eCOE) of the main course and preparatory courses / English courses at the same time, he/she may be issued a student visa valid for the entire packaged courses period. The IELTS requirements of 575 visa applications has reduced from 5.0 to 4.5, means that students whose IELTS is just reach 4.5 can apply for 575 visas to read English language course and foundation courses in Australia first, and then apply for undergraduate or master's visa in Australia. Most of Australia universities undergraduate courses have foundation courses or bridging courses, part of post-graduate courses also have foundation courses (such as the PQP course of QIBT). So the lower requirements of English language skill will undoubtedly provide more flexible study solutions for more students.

In short, the adjustment of the 570 and 575 visas-level assessment surely will bring more opportunities to education market, and encourage more students to have a new try.