Updated English language requirements now applicable for students and temporary graduates.

With effect from March 23, 2024, updated English language requirements will be applicable to those applying for -

• Australia student visa (subclass 500)
• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

The changes had previously been announced as part of the Migration Strategy.

On December 11, 2023, the Australian government announced the Migration Strategy which is a commitment to -

• Get the Australian immigration system back on track, and
• Return migration levels back to normal.

With a better-planned migration system, Australia is all set on a course to confidently tackle challenges of the future. A strong foundation is to be laid for the generations to follow.

Australia’s Migration Strategy is “expected to help return migration to near pre-pandemic levels by next financial year”. Among the many proposed measures is that of -

• Strengthening the integrity of international education, and
• Lifting the standards in international education.

The increase in the minimum English language requirement was proposed for student visas and temporary graduate visas of Australia.

How will the updated English language requirement help Australia student visa holders?

The Migration Strategy laid down the updated language requirements. The reforms for Student visa (subclass 500) visa holders will -

1. Support international students to have a positive educational experience in Australia, and
2. Prepare them for the Australian skilled workforce, if they plan on applying for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 482) visa post-study.

What are the updated language requirements for Australia Student visas in 2024?

The updated English language requirements for subclass 500 visas include minimum score requirement for visa grant and foundation programs.

What are the updated language requirements for Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV)?

The minimum English requirements have been updated for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas. The change will be applicable to all Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after March 23, 2024.

What are packaged ELICOS courses to study in Australia?

ELICOS stands for English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students. Australia gives international students an opportunity to improve their English language proficiency to take up bachelor’s, diploma etc. ELICOS courses generally match the academic semesters in universities. As these are usually taken together with formal programs of study, they are referred to as packaged ELICOS courses.