Australia Replaces MD 107 with MD 111, Sparking Mixed Reactions
2 Min Read
The Australian government has replaced Ministerial Direction 107 with Ministerial Direction 111, aiming to establish a fairer approach to student visa processing across different education providers. While the move is welcomed by the sector, concerns remain over international student enrolment caps.
Under MD 111, student visa processing will now be divided into “high priority” and “standard priority”, replacing the restrictions of MD 107. However, many stakeholders argue that Australian universities’ core issues remain unresolved.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, criticised the government, stating: “While MD 107’s damage is now over, Labor’s international student caps remain. This is a small reprieve, but the Albanese government is sneakily implementing caps through a ministerial direction, which fails to address the real challenges universities face.”
Senator Faruqi also accused the government of scapegoating international students for Australia’s housing crisis, saying it reflects competition with Peter Dutton’s Coalition in “punching down on migrants.”
MD 111, effective immediately, follows the Senate’s rejection of Labour’s proposed student enrolment cap. While it avoids directly limiting student numbers, concerns persist over its impact on regional universities and processing fairness.
Former Deputy Secretary of Immigration Abul Rizvi pointed out: “MD 111 isn’t a cap, and it would be illegal to use it as such. But without addressing refusal rates or risk rating systems, this change means a faster ‘no’ rather than real reform.”
The government defends the measure as a necessary tool within its migration system. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke stated: “While the cap was rejected, MD 111 allows us to manage student visa processing effectively.”
The policy shift highlights ongoing tensions within Australia’s higher education sector. Stakeholders urge systemic solutions to support international students and universities.
Source: SHIKSHA
Top Stories
New UK Legislation to Implement Worker Protection Act Takes Effect
October 28, 2024 | By Aahana
ICOS Launches Election Manifesto to Improve International Student Rights in Ireland
October 26, 2024 | By Kai
University of Southampton to Launch First UK Branch Campus in India
October 25, 2024 | By VaidantMore Articles
University of Sheffield Announces £3,000 Engineering Excellence Scholarship
The University of Sheffield in the UK has unveiled its prestigious Engineering Excellence Scholarship, offering up to £3,000 to overseas…
By Aahana
University of Birmingham Offers KAPLAN High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Birmingham, England in partnership with Kaplan International College London (KICL), has announced…
By Siya
Coventry University and Queen’s University Belfast to Establish Campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City
Two leading UK institutions, Coventry University and Queen’s University Belfast, are set to establish campuses in Gujarat’s…
By Henry
Canada’s SDS Policy Changes Signal Inclusivity for International Students
Canada has introduced significant changes to its study-abroad policies, making English proficiency testing more…
By Kai
Canada Ends Flagpoling for Study and Work Permits at Borders
In a significant policy shift, Canada has announced that study and work permits will no longer be issued to flagpolers at its…
By Jace
UCL Collaborates with Top Indian Institutes, Boosting Opportunities for Students
University College London (UCL), England ranked among the top 10 universities globally, has announced groundbreaking collaborations with India’s…
By Advay
Newcastle University Opens Applications for Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships 2025
Newcastle University in the United Kingdom is now accepting applications for its prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarships…
By Neerav
Canada Asks Indian Students to Resubmit Visas and Study Records Amid New Policies
Indian students in Canada have been caught off guard after receiving requests from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to…
By Henry
Clarkson University Student Awarded Prestigious Gilman Scholarship
Gracie Elliott, a junior in the Honours Programme at Clarkson University, New York has been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International…
By Siya
Australian Scholars to Explore Indo-Pacific Through New Colombo Plan
Thirteen undergraduate students from The University of Western Australia (UWA) have been named 2025 New…
By Jace
Germany Sees Growth in International Student Numbers as per Survey by DAAD
A recent survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reveals that German universities are experiencing a steady or rising influx of…
By Aahana
Philippines Opens Doors for International Medical Practice: A Boon for Indian Students
In a landmark decision, the Philippine government has amended the Philippine Medical Act to allow foreign nationals to practise medicine…
By Siya
Pace University Launches Gale Epstein Centre for Environmental Policy and Technology
Pace University in the United States has launched the Gale Epstein Centre for Environment, Policy, and Technology. The centre, established…
By Kai
Yale Admits 728 Students Through Early Action for Class of 2029
Yale College in New Haven, Connecticut, United States has admitted 728 students through its early action programme…
By Advay
Florida State University’s Dedman College Shines in Global Rankings
The Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2024 has once again recognised Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality for its…
By Siya
UK Universities Rebranded Despite Confusion Concerns
The Office for Students (OfS) has approved the renaming of two prominent UK institutions, raising concerns about potential…
By Advay
Surge in Indian Students Abroad: US, Canada, UK Among Top Destinations
According to the Education Ministry, the number of Indian students pursuing education abroad has risen dramatically by 52.2% over the past…
By Jace
Yale Dean Deborah Berke Awarded Prestigious AIA Gold Medal
Yale School of Architecture Dean Deborah Berke has been awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal, one of the…
By Neerav
Biden Administration Modernises H-1B Visa Program to Boost Global Talent
The Biden administration has announced significant changes to the US H-1B visa programme to streamline approvals, protect international…
By Aahana
Maharashtra Partners with British Council to Boost Higher Education Internationalisation
The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with the British Council, has launched a new programme to advance the internationalisation of the state’s higher…
By Siya
Strathclyde Business School Announces Diamond Jubilee Scholarships for 2025
The University of Strathclyde Business School in the UK has introduced its Diamond Jubilee Scholarship for self-funded international students…
By Ezra
Australia’s Destination Scholarship: University of Queensland Offers AUD 7,500 Per Semester
The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia is now accepting applications for the Destination Australia Scholarship for Semester…
By Siya
Australia Introduces New Student Support Measures in Higher Education
Australia is set to transform its higher education sector with the Universities Accord Bill 2024, which has officially received Royal…
By Vaidant
University of Toronto Tops QS Sustainability Rankings Again
For the second consecutive year, the University of Toronto, Canada, has secured the top position in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025. The ranking…
By Jace
Purdue University Faculty Members Honoured with National Academy of Inventors Award
Two faculty members from Purdue University in the United States have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI)…
By Advay
University of Roehampton Opens Applications for MSc Programmes for January 2025 Intake
The University of Roehampton, located in the UK, has announced that it is now accepting applications for postgraduate and…
By Kai
Rice University Unveils ‘Campus Within A Campus’ with New Architectural Developments
Rice University in the United States has announced a major renovation of its architecture facilities, unveiling William T. Cannady…
By Kai
University of Manchester Opens Applications for MSc in Climate Change: Science, Society and Solutions
The University of Manchester is inviting Indian students to apply for its MSc in Climate Change: Science, Society, and…
By Siya
Torrens University Australia Opens 2025 Scholarships for International Students
Torrens University, Australia has announced that applications for its 2025 scholarships for international students are now…
By Daniel
ANU to Welcome Refugee Students Under New Pilot Programme
The Australian National University (ANU) is set to welcome two refugee students from the Asia-Pacific in 2025 under its new Refugee…
By Daniel
University of Sheffield Ranked 27th Globally for Sustainability in QS Rankings
The University of Sheffield has secured the 27th position globally for sustainability in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025. Out of…
By Neerav
Two Indian Universities Achieve Gold in THE Online Learning Rankings 2024
India has secured a prominent position in the first-ever Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024, with…
By Aahana
Italy Introduces New Visa Rules for International Students Starting 2025
Italy has announced new visa requirements for international students, effective 10 January 2025. Applicants for Type D visas, including those…
By Ezra
Boustany Foundation Announces Harvard University MBA Scholarship for 2025
The Boustany Foundation, an NGO in Monaco has announced the prestigious Harvard University MBA Scholarship for the class starting in Autumn…
By Advay
University of Bristol Graduate Receives Diana Award for Tackling Period Poverty
Ella Lambert, a graduate of the University of Bristol, England has been honoured with the prestigious Diana Award for…
By Henry
New York University Tops US Rankings for International Students and Study Abroad
New York University (NYU) has secured the top position in the United States for hosting the highest number of international students and sending the most US…
By Jace
Michigan State University to Celebrate Fall Graduates with Influential Leaders
Michigan State University (MSU), United States, is set to honour over 4,000 graduates during its fall commencement ceremonies…
By Kai
UK Tuition Fee Hikes Insufficient to Offset Rising Costs for Universities
Despite a recent rise in tuition fees, UK universities face growing financial strain due to escalating costs, particularly increased national…
By Siya
EC English to Launch First Middle East Campus in Dubai
EC English, a global leader in language education, has announced the opening of its first campus in the United Arab Emirates, marking the organisation’s…
By Neerav
University of Southampton to Enrol 10,000 Students at India Campus
The University of Southampton in England is all set to enrol 10,000 students at its upcoming campus in Gurugram, India, beginning next…
By Vaidant
IRCC Ends ‘Grandfathering’ for Study Permit Extensions
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced changes to its policies regarding the extension of study permits for…
By Neerav
UGC Unveils Draft Guidelines to Reshape Higher Education in India
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft regulations aimed at redefining undergraduate and postgraduate education in…
By Siya
Brown University Launches Initiatives to Sustain Student Diversity
Brown University in the USA has announced a series of initiatives to maintain and enhance diversity within its…
By Aahana
New Zealand Sees 24% Growth in International Student Enrolment
New Zealand’s international education sector has seen a remarkable 24% growth in student enrolment compared to last year, marking a strong recovery…
By Ezra
TUS Art and Design School Unveils 2024 Christmas Showcase
The Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Ireland has announced its much-awaited…
By Siya
Aston University and Symbiosis Launch Dual Degree Programmes in the UK and Dubai
Aston University in the UK has partnered with India’s Symbiosis International University (SIU) to offer dual degree programmes in Dubai and the…
By Henry
Australian Universities to Establish Campus in Gurugram, India
In a significant boost to educational collaboration between India and Australia, a consortium of six leading Australian universities has…
By Kai
Applications Open for Germany’s DESY Summer Student Programme 2025
Germany has announced the opening of applications for the prestigious DESY Summer Student Programme 2025, scheduled to take place from…
By Siya
Over 50,000 Indian Students Engage in the University of Melbourne’s Career Program
Andhra Pradesh, India – Over 50,000 secondary school students from Andhra Pradesh have participated in the University of Melbourne’s Schools…
By Aahana
University of Manchester Announces Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships
To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the University of Manchester, England has launched a transformative £28 million funding initiative for…
By Vaidant
Canada Scraps SDS Visa Programme to Benefit Indian Students
The Canadian government has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, which allowed Indian students to fast-track…
By Neerav
Indians Form the Largest Group of Foreign Students in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education, with 5,733 Indians enrolled during the…
By Jace
RMIT University in Australia Offers Scholarships for International Students
Melbourne, Australia – RMIT University is offering Foundation Academic Scholarships worth AU$5,000 each to international students for the first semester of…
By Vaidant
National University of Singapore Opens Admissions for Indian Students
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced that it is now accepting applications for the Academic Year 2025/2026 from international…
By Ezra
University of Sydney Early Career Researchers Secure $9M Funding
The University of Sydney, Australia, has been awarded $8.97 million in funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early…
By Siya
India Raises Concerns Over Australia’s 200% Visa Fee Hike for Students
India has officially raised concerns with the Australian government regarding the recent hike in international student visa fees…
By Jace
Western Sydney University Partners with UST to Boost Agritech Innovation
Western Sydney University (WSU) in Australia has partnered with UST to drive advancements in agritech, aiming to address global…
By Kai
Québec Tightens French Language Requirements for Permanent Residency
The Québec government has introduced stricter French language requirements for international graduates applying to two key permanent…
By Ezra
UK Net Migration Drops by 20% Amid Dependants Rule Change
The UK has recorded a significant drop in net migration, with figures decreasing by 20% to 728,000 in the year ending June 2024, compared to 906,000 the previous year…
By Neerav
University of Michigan Ranked Top Public University for Study Abroad
The University of Michigan (U-M) has been ranked as the number one public university in the United States for global learning experiences by…
By Henry
Cambridge English Exams Reach 100 Million Milestone
Since their inception in 1913, Cambridge English exams have grown to become one of the most trusted English language assessments worldwide…
By Vaidant
Canadian Colleges See 30% Surge in International Students, Driven by Indian Enrolments
Canadian colleges experienced a 30% rise in international student enrolments in 2022/23, according to newly released data from…
By Siya
Hungary Opens Applications for Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at Elte University
Budapest, Hungary – Applications are now open for the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) for…
By Daniel
New Zealand Expands Opportunities for International Students with New Post-Study Work Visa Rules
As international students face tighter immigration policies in traditional study destinations like the US, UK, and Canada, New Zealand is…
By Ezra
$40M Housing Project for International Students Announced in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A $40 million housing development is underway to address seasonal housing shortages for international students in…
By Siya
OPT Fuels Growth in US International Student Numbers Amid Stagnant Enrolments
The United States recorded 1.1 million international students in 2023/24, marking a new high. However, the growth was primarily…
By Vaidant
Arizona State University Recognised as Fulbright HSI Leader for Third Consecutive Year
Arizona State University (ASU), United States has been named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for the third year, a prestigious recognition awarded…
By Jace
Oxford University Launches Ashall Professorship in Artificial Intelligence
Oxford University, a leading institution in the UK, has established the Ashall Professorship of the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence following a significant…
By Siya
Purdue University Ranks Among Top 10 US Universities for International Students
Purdue University, located in the United States, has been ranked among the top 10 US universities with the highest number of international students, according to…
By Neerav
Bentley University Opens Admissions for Master’s in Finance Programs for 2024-2025
Bentley University in the United States is now accepting applications for its highly ranked Master’s in Finance programme, available in two specialisations: Finance…
By Advay
Canada Flags Over 10,000 Fake Student Acceptance Letters in 2024
Canadian authorities have identified more than 10,000 fraudulent student acceptance letters in 2024, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada…
By Siya
University of Texas at Arlington Expands Blaze Forward Program to Cover More Students
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has raised the bar for its Blaze Forward programme, setting a new baseline of $100,000 for adjusted gross income eligibility. This expansion…
By Aahana
Rice University Expands its Global Presence with Launch of New Hub in India
Rice University, a leading private university in the United States, has officially expanded its international footprint with the launch of Rice Global India, a new…
By Vaidant
European Universities Warn of AI Lag, Call for Strategic Action
Brussels, Belgium – Top European universities have raised concerns about the continent falling behind in artificial intelligence (AI) research and…
By Ezra
Irish Language Schools Call for Clarity on TrustEd Ireland Accreditation
Dublin, Ireland – Ireland’s English Language Education sector is urging greater clarity on the state-backed TrustEd Ireland accreditation scheme…
By Kai
New Zealand Updates Post-Study Work Visa Rules for Postgraduate Students
Wellington, New Zealand – To attract international talent, New Zealand has revised its Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) eligibility criteria…
By Neerav
University of Toronto Announces $40,000 Annual Funding Package for PhD Students
The University of Toronto has introduced one of the highest base funding packages in Canada for its PhD and SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) students, set…
By Jace
British Council Announces GREAT Scholarships 2024 for Indian Students
The British Council has launched the GREAT Scholarships 2024, offering Indian students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK starting…
By Siya
Canada Sees Surge in Asylum Applications from International Students
Ottawa, Canada – Nearly 14,000 international students have applied for asylum in Canada during the first nine months of 2024, marking a 14%…
By Kai
Canada to Allow International Students to Work 24 Hours per Week Off-Campus
Canada has announced a new policy allowing eligible international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. Immigration, Refugees and…
By Daniel
Indian Education Minister Explores Collaboration with Johns Hopkins University
New Delhi: Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently engaged in discussions with a high-level delegation from Johns Hopkins University…
By Advay
Five Indian Students Awarded Rhodes Scholarship 2025
Five Indian students have been selected for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship from Oxford for 2025 following a rigorous selection…
By Henry
Australian Universities Partner with CSIRO in $45 Million Manufacturing Initiative
Under the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, a new partnership worth $45 million has been established between Australian universities and…
By Neerav
20% Drop in Indian Students Strains UK Universities’ Finances
UK universities are grappling with financial challenges as applications from Indian students dropped by 20.4% in 2023-24, according to a report…
By Ezra
University of Montana Opens Graduate Assistantship Applications
The University of Montana, USA, will open applications for its Graduate Assistantship programmes on 1 December 2024, with a deadline of…
By Vaidant
Dr Jaishankar Inaugurates Symbiosis International University Campus in Dubai
Dubai, UAE: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar inaugurated Symbiosis International University’s first overseas campus at Dubai Knowledge…
By Aahana
UK Government Allocates £500m to Boost Postgraduate Science Education
In celebration of National Engineering Day, the UK government has unveiled a £500 million initiative to expand postgraduate opportunities in…
By Henry
University of St Andrews Secures £5 Million UKRI Investment for Doctoral Training
St Andrews, Scotland: The University of St Andrews has been awarded £5 million by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the Natural Environment…
By Daniel
Saint Louis University Opens Early Decision II for International Students
Saint Louis University (SLU) in the United States has announced that international students can apply through its Early Decision II option…
By Jace
Technological University of the Shannon Strengthens Academic Ties with India
The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Ireland recently visited India to strengthen…
By Vaidant
University of Tasmania Opens Admissions for Master of Marine and Antarctic Science
The University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia is now accepting applications for its Master of Marine and Antarctic…
By Neerav
University of Cambridge Launches Fully-Funded PhD Programmes for 2025-26
The University of Cambridge, in collaboration with Trinity College, has unveiled a new initiative offering fully-funded…
By Kai
University of Ottawa Offers International English Scholarships for 2024
The University of Ottawa is offering International English Scholarships for students from India, Africa, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and…
By Ezra
Oxford Academics Join COP29 in Azerbaijan to Tackle Climate Change
Researchers from the University of Oxford, England are actively participating in COP29, the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference held in Baku…
By Aahana
University of Queensland Partners with Molecule to Medicine to Boost Drug Discovery
The University of Queensland (UQ) has established a new partnership with global biotech firm Molecule to Medicine (MTM) to…
By Kai
Canada Ends Fast-Track Student Visa Programme for India Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Canada has announced the end of its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme for 14 countries, including India, as of…
By Advay
Harvard University Features Bihar’s Social Entrepreneur Sharad Vivek Sagar in Prestigious Leadership Course
Harvard University has included the journey of Bihar-based social entrepreneur Sharad Vivek Sagar in its renowned…
By Henry
University of Virginia Offers Graduate Assistantships with Financial Benefits
The University of Virginia, USA, is inviting applications for its Graduate Assistantships programme, providing opportunities…
By Vaidant
Brown University Launches Online Master’s Degree in Data Science
Brown University, US has unveiled a new online Master’s degree programme in Data Science, set to begin in September…
By Ezra
Growing Interest in Overseas Agriculture Studies Among Indian Students
Indian students are increasingly choosing to study agriculture abroad, driven by the global demand for sustainable farming…
By Jace