Changes to international student visas welcomed by Monash University

Monash University has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government will modify the visa assessment levels for students from the two major markets for international students, China and India, as well as for other countries.

The announcement also included a strategic review of the student visa program, due to be reported on by mid-2011.

"The new changes to the visa system will make Australia more attractive to potential students and their parents and enable a more free-flowing application and approval process," said Monash University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne.

"The downgrading of the assessment levels for our two biggest markets, China and India is a great step in the right direction to encourage potential students to Australia."

"Well over 20 per cent of Monash University's students on Australian campuses are international students with China being the largest source country. The downgrading in the assessment level will mean that not only are the financial requirements less onerous on Chinese families, but it signals that we have a good relationship with China in the delivery of higher education."

"We welcome the Government's recognition of the importance of the sector and we will continue to work with the Australian Government and particular the relevant Ministers, the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations – Senator the Hon Chris Evans, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – Senator the Hon Kim Carr, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship – The Hon Chris Bowen MP and the Minister for Trade – The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP to take the sector back to the position of a world leader in international education," Professor Byrne said.

"Indications are that our international student enrolments will drop in 2011, however we look forward to ongoing active engagement with offshore students and will continue to provide globally recognised and respected qualifications, world-wide partnerships in both teaching and research and practical level support to make students feel welcome and secure at Monash," Professor Byrne said.

Monash recently won the Victorian Exporter of the Year Award and is a key driver in the engagement of international students by providing a quality education experience on a global level. International students have been enrolled at Monash University since it officially opened in 1961. In that year, there were 33 international students enrolled.

Over the past almost 50 years Monash has developed a range of student services, which support international students in their educational and social experience. So successful has Monash been during this time that in 2010, Monash hosts more than 21,000 international students enrolled from more than 170 countries.

For more information or a spokesperson, contact contact Megan Gidley, Media and Communications + 61 3 9903 4843 or 0448 574 148.