Recently, immigration policies in many countries, especially Australia, have undergone significant changes affecting international students. This has made it more critical than ever to carefully choose a study destination, not only in terms of visa requirements but also regarding post-graduation work opportunities, settlement options, and other benefits.
What if your ultimate goal is to pursue an education in Australia, the UK, or New Zealand, but your family finances are limited, your academic record isn’t outstanding, and you’re worried about visa rejection? Are you unsure which country to choose to maximize your visa chances and minimize costs? Let IMMI guide you with new insights on selecting a suitable study path, especially in the context of Australia's tightening policies. You’ll find reasonable, safe, and cost-effective solutions to increase your chances of success!
Understanding the “Tightening” of Australian Student Visas
Recently, the Australian government has introduced significant immigration policy changes, especially concerning student visas. These measures aim to manage the number of international students and ensure education quality. These adjustments include stricter English requirements, the introduction of the Genuine Student Test (GST) to replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test, and reduced post-graduation visa extension periods.
This policy tightening not only limits the number of student visas issued but also sets higher standards for visa applications from Vietnam. In fact, the number of Australian student visas granted to Vietnamese students has decreased by 28% recently, underscoring the increasing competition in the visa application process.
Moreover, the Australian government has introduced stricter financial and academic requirements, requiring students to demonstrate stable financial capabilities to cover their study and living expenses in Australia
Some key policy adjustments include:
Limiting International Student Numbers: From January 1, 2025, Australia will cap new international student enrollments at 270,000. Public universities may admit 145,000, vocational education and training institutions (VET) 95,000, and other educational institutions 30,000.
Increased English Proficiency Requirements: From early 2024, the minimum IELTS score requirement for a student visa has been raised to 6.0, with temporary graduate visas requiring a 6.5.
Introduction of the Genuine Student Test (GST): This new assessment, replacing the GTE, evaluates the authenticity and study intentions of international students.
Restrictions on Visa Extensions: Extending visas after graduation has become more challenging, impacting students’ study and work plans in Australia.
Furthermore, recent data from Studymove shows that the number of Australian student visas granted to Vietnamese students has dropped by 28% over the past 10 months (from October 2023 to August 2024). This decline reflects the significant competition and pressure from policy changes, showing how these tighter measures affect Vietnamese students.
This reduction also aligns with a general decrease in the entire Australian student visa system, a substantial drop compared to the same period last year. Key factors contributing to the decline include increased visa fees, stricter financial requirements, and age restrictions for post-graduate work visas, making the visa application process more challenging and costly for students. These changes have directly impacted Vietnamese students.
How to Study in Australia Effectively in This Context?
For ambitious students with strong family financial support and thorough study preparations—such as high academic records, solid English skills, and clear profiles—pursuing an education in Australia remains viable. However, certain factors are essential:
1. Thoroughly Prepare Your Application
Preparing your application is the first and most crucial step in your study journey. Students should focus on achieving strong academic records, solid English skills, and a clear personal profile. These factors not only facilitate the visa application process but also reflect your commitment to studying. Especially if applying to low-risk institutions, your chances of visa approval will be higher.
Additionally, a detailed financial plan is essential. Families and students should have a clear budget, including study and living expenses in Australia. To obtain a visa, you must demonstrate stable financial capacity throughout the course, with documents like savings accounts, family income statements, and other relevant paperwork. Consider scholarship programs or financial aid from Australian institutions, the Australian government, or NGOs to ease financial burdens.
2. Build a Clear Plan
Building a clear plan is essential for the study journey. Families should determine specific budgets based on study and living costs in Australia. For visa approval, students must prove stable financial capacity, including documents like savings accounts, family income, and other relevant papers.
Students should also explore scholarship programs or financial support from institutions, the Australian government, or NGOs to reduce financial stress.
3. Choose the Right School and Program
School selection should be based not only on reputation but also on the institution’s risk level, as assessed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Low-risk institutions help students minimize financial evidence requirements and expedite visa processing.
Students should thoroughly research their field, program, and post-graduation employment opportunities in Australia, ensuring that the institution and program align with their long-term career goals.
Optimal Solutions When Australian Student Visas Are “Tightened”
One effective solution is a study path in Asian countries, particularly Singapore and Malaysia, both offering:
Increasingly recognized education systems globally
Friendly, modern living and learning environments with nearly 100% English usage
Diverse programs awarding UK, Australian, and Canadian degrees
Flexible, multi-country transfer pathways with simplified procedures
Benefits of Choosing Singapore or Malaysia for Study:
No financial proof required for visas, with nearly guaranteed acceptance rates
Cost savings, significantly reducing financial pressure
Access to top institutions in Singapore and Malaysia
Compared to partial studies in Vietnam, a transition through Singapore or Malaysia offers several advantages, including an internationalized study environment, widespread English usage, and programs officially affiliated with UK and Australian universities, providing a more secure and smooth transfer path.
Students can complete their courses with higher achievements by being better equipped with English skills, study skills, adaptability, and readiness for new experiences in an international environment.
Top Institutions in Singapore and Malaysia
Studying in Singapore
1. Kaplan Singapore
Established in 1989, Kaplan Singapore is one of Singapore's leading educational institutions, offering diverse programs from certificates to master’s degrees. Kaplan collaborates with prestigious universities like the University of London, Murdoch University, and the University of Portsmouth. This academy provides internationally recognized degrees and a multicultural, modern learning environment with internship opportunities at top companies, enhancing practical skills and career readiness.
With an internationally recognized education system boasting over 80 years of experience, Kaplan Singapore offers a diverse range of programs—from English language courses, pre-university preparation, undergraduate to master's, and doctoral degrees—across various countries worldwide.
The modern, interactive, and practice-focused teaching methodology enhances learners’ ability to effectively absorb knowledge.
Kaplan Singapore provides a wide range of academic programs at multiple levels to meet diverse learning needs and career orientations. It offers an array of courses from Diplomas to Master's degrees across various disciplines, including:
Accounting
Business Administration
Commercial Economics
Banking and Finance
Logistics
Marketing Management
Mass Communication
Sales and Retail Management
Human Resource Management
Kaplan Singapore’s tuition fees are flexible and competitive, with attractive scholarships available for both new and continuing students. New students, in particular, may be eligible for scholarships ranging from SGD 5,000 to SGD 10,000 upon enrollment in English, Preparatory, Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s programs, helping to reduce financial burdens during their studies.
2. MDIS Singapore
The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) is one of Singapore’s leading private educational institutions, established in 1956. With a longstanding reputation, MDIS has earned EduTrust certification, which recognizes excellence in education and business standards. Notably, MDIS was among the first Private Education Institutions (PEIs) registered under the Enhanced Registration Framework, reaffirming its commitment to quality education.
At MDIS, students can choose from a wide range of programs tailored to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need for the future. Here are some of the key programs MDIS offers:
English Preparatory Programs:
Offers five levels, from basic to advanced
Each level requires approximately two months to complete
Start dates are in January, March, May, June, August, and October
Tuition fees range from SGD 2,461 per level
Bachelor’s Programs:
Business School
School of Engineering
Fashion Design School
School of Life Sciences
School of Mass Communications
School of Psychology
School of Technology and Online Education
School of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Master’s Programs:
Business School
School of Life Sciences
School of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Studying in Malaysia
Malaysia is an emerging educational market that is increasingly recognized on the global academic map. One of the primary advantages of studying in Malaysia is the access to high-quality programs offered by top universities, often ranked within the top 100–200 globally by reputable ranking agencies like Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
For master’s programs, the standout feature in Malaysia is its quality education, as all programs undergo rigorous evaluation and accreditation by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, ensuring professional standards and program quality.
Malaysia has also taken significant steps toward internationalizing higher education, allowing renowned foreign universities to establish campuses or partnerships within the country. Institutions such as Lancaster University, the University of Southampton, the University of Nottingham (UK), Monash University, and Victoria University (Australia) are examples. Malaysia provides access to degrees from the UK, Australia, and Canada at affordable costs, offering a safe and risk-mitigated study journey. On average, international students in Malaysia can expect tuition fees around USD 9,000 per year and living expenses around USD 5,000 per year, totaling approximately USD 14,000 annually—a reasonable cost.
MDIS Malaysia
Kolej MDIS Malaysia, founded in 2013, is a branch of MDIS and stands as one of Malaysia’s top private educational institutions. Located at EduCity Iskandar Puteri, it is the first private educational institution from Singapore established in this special economic zone, making it an excellent option for students seeking a financially viable study route.
Moreover, students in Malaysia follow the standards of MDIS's partner institutions, with degree values identical to those awarded in the respective partner countries. Whether earning a Malaysia-based degree or a degree from MDIS’s partners, students graduate with internationally recognized credentials.
MDIS Malaysia offers programs in Business, Marketing, Accounting, Management, Information Technology, Mass Communication, Fashion Design, Hospitality and Tourism, and Engineering. The campus is spacious, with modern facilities designed for each specific area of study.
With these substantial advantages, choosing a study path in Singapore or Malaysia has become an intelligent solution for addressing the financial investment required for international education amidst current uncertainties. Reach out to IMMI Centre to receive dedicated support and comprehensive information about study opportunities, visas, and other essential services to ensure a smooth and successful learning journey!
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