Implications of GSM reforms for international students.

Transcription

1 Implications of GSM reforms for international students.

2 Migration Policy influences A review of GSM and student visa policy changes and impact on international student enrolments Higher Education and VET sector

3 GSM options for international students Skilled Independent points Skilled Sponsored points Skilled Regional (provisional) Sponsored points Points allocated for : Australian qualifications, English proficiency, skill, work experience, study in a regional area Age, proficiency in community language, sponsorship of relative in a designated area, skills of spouse/partner, nomination by state/territory government. Conditions Must meet the 2 year study requirement Must apply onshore within 6 months of completing study in Australia

4 Key GSM reforms Points adjusted to benefit applicants with strong English language skills Australian skilled work experience advanced tertiary qualifications New temporary visa (subclass 485 & 476) to enable international students to gain skilled experience or improve their English or undertake a professional year Pathway to GSM. MODL points restricted to applicants with closely related work experience Nexus between background, experience and nominated occupation strengthened International students with 50 point occupations permitted to apply onshore

5 The 2 year study rule Must be a registered course - degree, diploma or trade qualification A a single qualification of at least 2 years duration (as per CRICOS registration not ecoe) Two or more awards from the same or different providers accepted as long as they are relevant or closely related No penalty for change of provider if student gains credit for units completed in first provider Two years full-time study can be fast tracked to not less than 16 months Reduced duration of 2 year course as a result of RPL not accepted Extension of 1.5 year course to 2 years on ecoe does not qualify. Online study up to 25% online accepted only if done in Australia Study abroad period, transnational study time excluded All study must be done on a valid visa which authorises holder to study All study must be in done in English

6 The 2 year study rule How will this affect students? Students currently in a 1.5 year CRICOS program must enrol in another 1 year CRICOS course with or without credit exemptions Graduate Certificate, Foundation Studies cannot be counted towards meeting the 2 year study requirement. Students who changed providers can now count time spent at first provider, even in the absence of a formal exit award, so long as second provider recognises the study undertaken through advanced standing Some students with credit exemptions in a 12 unit, 2 year CRICOS registered course may require additional study : to fulfill 2 year study rule at 100% full time enrolment. to meet skills assessment criteria of some professional bodies Increased demand for 2 year courses

7 Increased English language requirements Threshold raised from IELTS 5.0 to IELTS 6.0 in all bands Bonus points for an overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 Concessional score of overall IELTS 5.5 for regional GSM categories must undertake to enrol in an English language course in the participating state/territory Applicants who nominate a trade occupation require only IELTS 5.0 in all bands 457 visa applicants must have an overall band score of 4.5 or higher level as required for licensing/registration exempted for gross base salary level above A$75,000 p.a

8 Increased English language requirements Who could be affected? 2006 IELTS test takers statistics - Many will not achieve score of 7.0 Less than 21% of Indians and 6% of Chinese test takers in 2006, achieved a score of 7.0 and above in the academic module. Students who required an IELTS 6.0 for student visa should be able to achieve the same result (if not better) after 2 years of study onshore. Students enrolled in packaged programs (EAP/ ELICOS) followed by the principle course of study may find it difficult to even achieve a score of 6.0 Students entering tertiary programs via onshore pathways like school, foundation, diploma courses who don t need to provide an IELTS test result

9 Increased English language requirements Who could be affected? Some students from AL1 and AL2 countries who did not require IELTS for their student visa will now need to sit IELTS for PR, TR Native speakers of English who want to gain the bonus points to qualify for PR Some students with a valid test score might need to resit the test to meet higher IELTS requirements required for licensing or registration in certain professions. Some students who do not qualify for PR may have to improve their English language skills and achieve IELTS 7.0 (on 485 visa)

10 Rewards for skilled work experience in Australia 10 points for 12 months skilled work experience in Australia in the nominated or a closely related occupation or completing an approved Professional Year What is skilled work? paid work for at least 20 hours a week referenced through tax office, superannuation contribution. done post qualification by students who have completed a recognised qualification in that field is relevant and at appropriate skill level What is the Professional Year? (WIP) A structured work and study program completed in 12 calendar months No double dipping - points awarded for either the skilled work experience or the professional year.

11 Rewards for skilled work experience in Australia How will this influence course selection by students? Product differentiation based on the employability factor- Links between education and employability and employers- Access to paid internships, cadetships, projects in local industry Built in work placements to meet skills asessment requirements of authorised professional bodies Professional networking opportunities to access potential employers - memberships in professional bodies, chambers of commerce Job Preparedness Programs leading to good Jobs! Workshops and modules to enhance English language communication (verbal, written) and other soft skills during course of study International student career fairs and campus recruitment

12 Restrictions to MODL points Students cannot automatically claim MODL points by completing a qualification that leads to a MODL occupation. Students can claim MODL points only if they prove relevant, post qualification work experience of at least one year in the past 4 years immediately before the application date Those with this work experience in Australia may be eligible for both MODL points and points for Australian work experience Additional points to those with a full-time job offer in that MODL occupation,provided the organisation has had at least 10 full-time employees at all times in the past 24 months, preceding the date of application

13 Restrictions to MODL points What does this mean for some students? More choice! Enrolments in MODL courses may decline as it no longer is a guarantee to PR. MODL courses would continue to appeal to those genuinely interested in working at a professional level in the MODL occupation Growth in courses aligned to the student s background, study interests, skills and career aspirations, but linked to labour market trends and job prospects But, the challenge is to find the right course which leads to an appropriate 50 or 60 point occupations on the Skilled Occupation List State/ Territory Licensing or Registration requirements Requirements of Skills Assessment Authority - DIAC s Australian Skills Recognition Information - DEWR s Job Market Forecasts

14 Which students are likely to benefit? Research Students Below Age of 30 : 30 points PhD from an Australian university (min. 2 years) : 25 points IELTS score of 6.0 in all modules : 15 points Skilled Occupation in SOL : 50 points Some graduates without work experience but proficient English Below Age of 30 : 30 points Masters / Bachelor degree (min 2 years) : 5 points Skilled Occupation on SOL (like engineering, IT, Accounting) :60 points IELTS score of 7.0 :25 points

15 Which students are likely to benefit? Some graduates with work experience and proficient in English Below Age of 30 Master degree (2 years)/ Bachelor degree (min 2 years) Skilled Occupation on SOL IELTS score of 7.0 At least 12 months closely related employment in Australia :30 points : 5 points :50 points :25 points :10 points Diploma holders with work experience relevant to MODL occupation Age below 30 : 30 points Diploma (incorporating Cert III and 900 hours work placement) : 5 points Skilled Occupation on MODL (like cookery, hairdressing) : 60 points IELTS 5.0 (vocational threshold) : 15 points At least 12 months closely related work experience post qualification: 15 points

16 Which students are likely to benefit? Some graduates who studied in a regional area Below Age of 30 Master/ Bachelor degree / Diploma (min 2 years) Bonus Points for 2 year study in regional area Skilled Occupation on SOL (like interpreter, electrician) IELTS score of 5.5 aggregate + English Tuition Nomination by State/ Territory Government :30 points : 5 points : 5 points : 60 points :15 points :10 points Graduates with an eligible relative living in designated area Age below 35 Master/ Bachelor degree / Diploma (min 2 years) Skilled Occupation on SOL IELTS score of 6.0 Sponsorship by relative :25 points : 5 points :50 points :15 points :25 points

17 Helping students achieve good outcomes Resources to help students make the right career choice - training, monitoring of education / migration agents - comprehensive marketing collateral on and off line Changes in entry criteria to attract the right student profile - with a potential to succeed Support mechanisms to enhance work place core competencies -English language communication, -Learn people skills, team work and cross cultural understanding -Developing high levels of emotional intelligence I:\Active\IDP4\Working\DVO\Mini Business Cases\Mini-business cases (Consolidated).ppt 17

18 Helping students achieve good outcomes Closer engagement with industry producing graduates who are work ready Launching careers predictive data to educate students about job market job preparedness programs post qualification job matching and placement services Lobbying with government, industry changes in employer s recruitment policies, practices and attitudes improved communication and coordination between stakeholders I:\Active\IDP4\Working\DVO\Mini Business Cases\Mini-business cases (Consolidated).ppt 18

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