The Australian government has made changes to its visa rules to enhance the efficiency of the student influx.

Australia boasts one of the best education systems in the world, encompassing world-class universities and institutions. This is the key reason why it attracts students in millions from across the globe to secure a place in its academic institutions. 

In fact, out of the 3,000 PTE test takers surveyed for Pearson’s Australian Dreams White Paper, 90% of respondents feel welcome in Australia and 7 in 10 want to stay. Eight in 10 of all respondents say that Australia has met or exceeded their expectations.

So it’s not surprising studying in Australia is a popular option for young Indians preparing for a successful career. To secure a spot it is important to be prepared when applying for an Australian student visa and understanding what has changed.

The Australian government has recently modified its visa rules to better optimise the influx of students aspiring to study in the country. The attempt to enhance the quality of living for international students reflects the government’s good intentions. However, the amendments have made it tougher for international students to get visas. 

This will have a significant impact on students from across the globe, particularly Indians who have a special inclination towards this country. Indian students are the second-largest group of international students in Australia. In 2022, 100,009 Indian students were enrolled in various universities in Australia. This number jumped to 122,000 by September 2023. This growing trend shows Indian students’ interest in Australian institutions.

In this scenario, it’s critical for Indian students and parents to understand the changes made to the visa rules and adhere to them to get the necessary approvals.

Major Modifications

The government has made it mandatory to stay abroad while applying for an Australian student visa, aimed to combat visa hopping and promote applicants who show a genuine intention to pursue a program in Australia. 

Furthermore, the government has increased the student visa application fee substantially, from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). Applicants aged 18 or above accompanying the main applicant will have to pay AUD $1,445 and AUD $390 if their age is under 18. This is a measure to address high migration. 

The financial requirements have also been increased for students and their guardians. They now need to show their sound financial standing with at least AUD $29,710 under their possession, up from AUD $24,505 previously. The government aims to ensure that the applicants have adequate finance to bear various expenses throughout the course, including airfare, living costs, course fees, etc. 

Additionally, the government has reduced the age limit for Temporary Graduate Visa applications from 50 to 35. It has also shortened post-study work rights.

Most importantly, the government has placed special emphasis on English proficiency. It has enforced fresh English language requirements for visa applications. Focus on English fluency will ensure that the students have the requisite level of competency to complete their academic requirements without any difficulty.

Navigating Challenges 

Though the government has made norms stricter, it has not curtailed opportunities for genuine and talented students. They must prepare in advance to meet eligibility requirements and get visa approval easily. 

Early Application: Students must submit visa applications as early as possible to successfully navigate through the stringent security measures. They will have enough time to collect necessary documents and resolve any unexpected issues. 

Financial Proof: Given the recent changes in the financial requirements, it’s important for students to collect and produce all the necessary documents to show that their financial standing is sound enough to support their studies and stay in Australia.

Focus on English Proficiency: The government’s increased emphasis on English proficiency demands students’ serious attention on honing English language skills. They must allocate appropriate time to reading, writing, listening, and speaking practices to gain the requisite competency. Moreover, they must choose the right English proficiency test, such as the Pearson Test of English, which is a popular test among Indian students aspiring to study in Australia.

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.  

Visit us at:  www.pearsonplc.com.

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs,

Pearson India & MENA -  Bhavya.Suri@pearson.com

Read More/ Financial Express

The cost of studying and living in New Zealand is lower compared to other popular destinations.

New Zealand has emerged as an increasingly popular study destination for gaining an international education, attracting a growing number of students from across the globe. Quality education, cultural diversity, a welcoming community, and abundant career opportunities have made it an attractive destination for students.

In the last few years, it has attracted Indian students in huge numbers. As per the latest data released by Education New Zealand, the country witnessed an influx of 69,135 international students in 2023, of which 17% were Indians, the second largest community after Chinese students. 

New Zealand boasts a globally recognised education system, encompassing eight prestigious universities that offer a diverse range of programs. Spread across the North and South Islands, these institutions possess unique character and strength and emphasise research and innovation.

Particularly, the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and Massey University, which are the top three universities in the country, are known for their distinguished academic excellence, attracting a huge number of students and eminent faculties from across the globe. These universities provide industry-relevant skills while offering global exposure and enhancing employability. 

These are the reasons why a growing number of Indian students explore admission opportunities in these universities every year. If you are also considering New Zealand as a study destination, this is what you need to know about this country and its education system:

Globally recognised institutions

As per the QS World University Rankings 2023, universities in the country ranked among the top 3% of the world, offering high-quality and globally recognised degrees. They offer a range of graduate and postgraduate courses across a broad range of disciplines including business & management, science, engineering, medicine, and social science. MBA, LLM, MBBS, IT, International Relations, Architecture, Economics, and Media Studies are some of the most popular courses.

Highly specialised and comprehensive faculties provide excellent academic sessions and encourage research and innovation. Moreover, they prioritise industry-relevant learning and practical implementation by offering internship opportunities. 

Affordable destination

The cost of studying and living in New Zealand is lower compared to other popular destinations. Indian students who wish to pursue an undergraduate program will have to pay between NZD $22,000 and$32,000 per annum on average. For PG courses, it may range between NZD $26,000 and $37,000. The PhD courses can range between NZD $6,000 and NZD $9,000 the same fees as a domestic student which makes this very attractive.

Depending on the course you choose fees for a one-year diploma/certificate course range from NZD $23,000 to NZD $46,000. However, fees for specialized courses such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science will be higher. The cost of living may range between NZD $15,000 and $20,000 per year. 

Student Visa Requirement

It is important to have sufficient funds or strong support to cover the cost of studying and living in New Zealand. Students need to submit a financial statement form, containing information about the source, and provide sufficient proof that they have the money to complete their study.

Showing at least NZD $20,000 (INR 10 Lakh) per year is sufficient to get approval. They also need to provide proof that they have paid their tuition fees. Additionally, submitting a copy of their return ticket to home and the application cost for their visa is necessary.

Moreover, they also need to present an English language proficiency certificate, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE), to prove that they have a good command over the language. It is also important to show a health and character certificate, which play a major role in the decision-making of the authority.

Career prospects after study

Post-study career prospects depend on the field of specialisation, performance during the course, and demand for the skills. An Indian student with a level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualification Framework can work full-time after study. A post-study work visa allows graduates to stay and work for up to three years, allowing them to gain relevant work experience and an opportunity to settle in the country. The country also allows to work for up to 20 hours per week during studies and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. 

The economy of New Zealand is steadily expanding and provides a wide range of job opportunities in industries such as engineering, information technology, business services, construction, and healthcare. Furthermore, emerging industries such as data science and renewable energy are providing chances for promising graduates to demonstrate their skills.

Besides offering quality education, New Zealand provides a safe and peaceful environment for international students to pursue their courses. However, the country also provides opportunities to indulge in adventures, such as horse riding, cycling, skydiving, bungee jumps, and dolphin swims. With a degree and work experience from this country, you can significantly enhance your employability across international job markets. Explore New Zealand as your next study destination!

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.  

Visit us at:   www.pearsonplc.com.

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs,

Pearson India & MENA -  Bhavya.Suri@pearson.com

Read More/ Financial Express

The primary reason why Indian students are choosing Ireland is its education system and friendly visa policies.

Quality education, myriad employment opportunities, and better life prospects in a foreign country have always appealed to ambitious Indian students to explore study abroad opportunities. For those aspiring students, Ireland has recently emerged as a major destination, offering everything that they expect from a foreign location, resulting in an unprecedented surge in Indian students studying in the country.

According to the Embassy of Ireland in India, the number of Indian students in Ireland has increased 10-fold in the last 10 years. It increased from around 700 in 2013 to more than 7,000 in 2023. They expect that the number will touch 10,000 soon. One of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, Ireland possesses some unique strengths, such as an English-speaking population, reputed universities, good weather conditions, and, most importantly, a welcoming nation, that appeals to students. What’s more, Ireland offers? Let’s take a deep dive.

Robust Education System

The primary reason why Indian students are choosing Ireland is its education system and the longstanding reputation of academic excellence of its universities, which offer more than 5,000 programmes, promising something for everyone’s needs. They attract students from over 160 countries.

Around 20 esteemed universities show an inclination towards admitting Indian students, including Trinity College, Dublin, University College, Dublin, University College Cork, Dublin City University, Dublin Business School, and Griffith College. These academic institutions offer a range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate-level programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, business and finance, humanities, and the arts. They also offer undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas.

Friendly Visa Policies

The visa norms in Ireland add to its attraction. It allows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated from its universities to stay for 12 months and 24 months stay to postgraduates to seek employment. This two-year, stay back visa spurs students interest in moving to this country. Moreover, it permits international students to work up to 20 hours a week during academic terms and up to 40 hours a week in the holidays. After 24 months, students become eligible for the Green Card or Work Permit Scheme.

Abundant Employment Opportunities

Home to numerous multinational corporations (MNCs), Ireland offers a plethora of post-study work opportunities. The low corporate tax rate makes the country an attractive destination for MNCs to operate.

Today, the country has over 100 MNCs, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, which create numerous opportunities every year. The country needs a workforce equipped with a range of skills, including software, medicine, banking, and finance. Additionally, Ireland encourages entrepreneurship and provides a conducive ecosystem to start a business. 

Welcoming Community: It is the most alluring aspect of Ireland, which is known for its multiculturalism and rich heritage. The increasing number of international students further adds to its diversity and culture. University campuses also foster multiculturalism, allowing students to experience diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives and understand the world better.

This improves emotional quotient (EQ) and prepares students to become true leaders to handle global challenges. Additionally, sports, arts, and yoga are an integral part of Ireland’s community. Student clubs and societies encourage students to participate in these activities. They can also join dramatic and political societies to socialise and expand their network and connections. Notably, Ireland has a significant portion of the Indian community, around 50,000 Indians, making it the right place for Indian students.

Ireland has emerged as one of the best alternatives for Indian students aspiring to earn a foreign degree and experience global exposure. To avail of this opportunity, students must choose the right test to meet visa requirements. The Pearson Test of English (PTE), one of the most popular English proficiency tests among students in India, is a computer-based test taken in a friendly environment. This test can ease visa approval while facilitating admissions in Ireland and is accepted by 100% of universities in Ireland.

Based on their academic and career goals and budget, they must also measure the offerings of Ireland and choose what suits them in advancing their careers.

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.  

Visit us at:   www.pearsonplc.com.

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs,

Pearson India & MENA -   Bhavya.Suri@pearson.com

Read More/ Financial Express