Tighten English Language Requirements for International Students

Australia is planning to tighten English requirements for international students. 

According to Austrade data, there are more than 550,000 international students in Australia, which lists the lucrative sector as the country’s third-largest GDP contributor, the international student market is estimated at AUD$28 billion.

“Now they will also have to take a new official test of their language skills before they can start such university or vocational studies to ensure they have reached the required standard,” said Education Minister Simon Birmingham. Birmingham did not believe the new measurement would hurt the international student market but would instead strengthen the integrity of the education system, making it more attractive to potential arrivals.

However, no details were provided on what the test would include. The top three nationalities enrolled in pre-studies language courses are Chinese (27 percent), Brazilian (12 percent) and Colombian (8.7 percent).