New assistance for Australian Student Visa applications

Those students on an Australian Student Visa who have been affected by the closure of any international educational institution will soon be offered measures to assist them by the Australian Government.

Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, has also announced that effective from the start of 2010 any overseas student who currently holds an Australian Student Visa and requires a new visa to complete their education studies at an alternate institution will not be charged any new application fees.

Students will be able to transfer institutions at no cost and there will not be any charge for extending their visa to complete their course. The news will come as great relief to any students who have had to face the prospect of their school closing.

There are occasions where educational facilities choose to no longer offer a particular course. The new announcement shows that the government is committed to the welfare of its students. Evans claimed that such situations are not the fault of the student and that the exemption on fees would ensure that students are not encumbered with any additional financial burden.

The Australian Government has also said that students affected by closures can also apply to have their course fees refunded and those who have paid additional fees up until this announcement can also apply for a refund.

The government will also raise the minimum financial requirement for foreign students in order that they can better meet Australian living costs.