Yesterday, I wrote an outline of the new directive, Direction No. 111, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, issued, prioritising the process for offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. I mentioned that the mainstream media was claiming that it would decrease students’ numbers and was bad for the economy and the funding of universities. But the directive clearly stated that its object was not to reduce student numbers.
Today I listened to some people from the ELICOS industry discuss their take on Direction NO.111 and if it will ‘even the playing field’ for ELICOS students who, in the past, were stuck at the back of the queue behind high priority university students from big market countries with influential agents who worked in bulk.
The consensus among the ELICOS industry experts was that it will probably not help onshore students much (those who are in Australia waiting for their second visa) but the new processing will most likely favour offshore ELICOS students from overseas.
It may encourage students to study and do their English exams in Australia, rather than in their own country i.e.. at those controversial IELTS and PTE cram schools. Because of the high amount of fraud in IELTS and PTE centres offshore, this would be a move forward in the quality of students who might go on to university or TAFE. i.e. if they had to passing English courses in Australia face-to-face after already being here for a year, they are more likely to be genuine and motivated.
I like the phrasing of ‘standalone ELICOS students‘ in the document as it is dissuading agent to draw up packages and pathways from transforming their ‘modes of operation’ from universities to the ELICOS industry. I assume this is to stop bulk enrolments and immigration once again get out of Australia’s control.
The main concern from ELICOS schools is that the Australian government is changing its mind so often and this might dissuade some ELICOS students from coming to Australian. A student could spend exorbitant amounts of money in their home currency to study English for 6 months or a year in Australia with a plan to go on to further study but then be stuck with no visa after giving up their life to get here.
IELTS & PTE TUTORING & COSULTANCY 
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