AAERI Urges Visa Reform Linking Students to Original Institutions in Australia
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The Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) has called for a significant overhaul of Australia’s student visa system, proposing that international student visas be directly tied to the institution where the student initially enrols.
In a formal submission to the Australian Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Education, AAERI suggested that if students wish to change their course or institution after receiving their visa, they must apply for a new visa, with the existing one automatically cancelled. This move, the association argues, will help curb unethical practices such as course-hopping and bolster the integrity of Australia’s education sector.
“This reform would require a student’s visa to be linked to the institution listed on their initial Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE),” AAERI stated, adding that any change would need a new CoE, a fresh visa application, and evidence of meeting the Genuine Student (GS) criteria again.
Australia’s education sector has witnessed growing concerns over visa misuse, especially with rising student inflows from India—one of the country’s largest student markets. Since the pandemic, education loan applications from India have surged, and AAERI warned that when students change institutions, banks may void original loan agreements, leaving them in financial jeopardy.
AAERI also noted that similar challenges affect Nepali students, with nearly 60,000 currently studying in Australia. Drawing comparisons, the association referenced policies in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, where visas are more tightly regulated in relation to specific institutions.
Australia has introduced reforms such as closing the concurrent CoE loophole and mandating CoEs for onshore visa applications. However, AAERI contends these measures do not fully address the issue of unethical recruitment and institution-switching.
With the recent return of the Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the appointment of Julian Hill as Assistant Minister for International Education, AAERI believes there is now an opportunity to enact meaningful change that safeguards Australia’s reputation in international education.
The association stressed that these reforms would benefit ethical agents, ensure visa compliance, and protect both students and education providers across Australia.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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