Over one lakh Indian students were present in Australia for higher education in 2022, and the number has steadily increased from 73,808 in 2019 to 33629 in 2020, and finally to 8950 in 2021. While the number of Indian students in Australia is growing, the Anthony Albanese-led government has decided to tighten study visa requirements.

This year, there have been some key developments and changes in the Australian international students’ domain. Here are the top five changes/developments. Australia on Dec 11 said it would tighten visa rules for international students to decrease its migrant intake over the next two years. As per the new rules, international students will now be required to secure higher ratings on English proficiency tests, and there will be more scrutiny on a student’s second visa application that would prolong their stay.

Student visa holders will be allowed to work no more than 48 hours per fortnight while studying beginning in July 2023, equating to 24 hours per week. "This change has been designed to provide students with increased flexibility to support themselves while still ensuring study remains the primary purpose of their visa," according to an official statement.

On March 8, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an 'Australia-India education qualification recognition mechanism'. According to the new agreement, degrees earned in Australia will now be recognised in India, and degrees earned in India will be recognised in Australia.