After opening the borders the Commonwealth now extends post-study incentives for international students

People with temporary graduate 485 visas which expired while they were caught offshore during COVID can apply for new (full-period) ones. And coursework masters grads will qualify for a three-year visa, a year longer than now, which matches the duration of research masters. Plus, VET grads can apply to stay for two years.

The existing COVID emergency arrangement whereby students studying with an Australian institution while in their home countries have that time counted towards a post-study visa continues.  With 164 000 visa holders ex Aus it probably is going to take time for them to all return to these fair shores.

Plus, there’s (a bit) more help for private providers

There’s a waiver on fees and charges attached to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students and the Tuition Protection Services Levy. Perhaps these are extensions on the CRICOS assistance due to expire on New Year’s Eve.

There is also $9.4m added to the support fund for ELICOS providers to diversify delivery –help colleges which are still hanging on In a sector which has taken a terrible hit. As of end June commencing students on ELICOS visas were down 60 per cent on 2020 and 70 per cent on’19. Overall enrolment falls were similar (CMM August 24).