Australia has recently introduced new rules aimed at curbing concurrent study for international students, particularly to deter them from switching to cheaper vocational courses shortly after their arrival in the country.
This move comes in response to a significant increase in concurrent enrollments, which has raised concerns about the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.
The introduction of these new rules holds significant implications for international students, particularly those seeking education in Australia. The restriction on concurrent study aims to foster greater commitment from students to their primary courses, preventing a rapid shift to more cost-effective vocational alternatives.
However, this may alter the academic and financial landscape for students who previously considered concurrent study as a means of diversifying their skill sets or exploring different fields. The change may necessitate a reevaluation of their educational plans and could potentially impact the attractiveness of Australia as a destination for international education.
The rules may also have implications for the financial well-being of international students. Many rely on part-time work to support their studies and livelihood while in Australia.
With the new regulations in place, students might face challenges in securing part-time employment during their initial months, as they are now required to dedicate at least six months to their primary course before considering additional enrollments.
This shift could result in increased financial strain for students, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging experience of studying abroad.
Concurrent Study: What Is It?
Concurrent study refers to the practice of international students enrolling in two courses simultaneously during the first six months of their principal course of study in Australia.
This practice has gained traction in recent years, with a sharp uptick in concurrent enrollments. In the first half of 2023 alone, there were 17,000 concurrent enrollments, compared to 10,500 for the same period in 2019 and 2022 combined, as reported by Reuters.
In August, the Australian government decided to modify its rules to prevent the misuse of concurrent enrollment policies by education providers. Many students were found to be abandoning their university courses to permanently shift to cheaper vocational courses, a phenomenon known as ‘course-hopping.’
The new rules aim to address this issue by ensuring that students complete a minimum of six months in their primary course before enrolling in additional courses.
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Education Minister Jason Clare emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Australia’s international education sector, which is the country’s fourth-largest export industry.
The change primarily aims to prevent “predatory ‘second’ providers” from enrolling students before they have had a chance to study for the required six months at their first provider.
There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. Students will still be allowed to concurrently enroll in courses that are approved components of a combined or double degree.
Additionally, students facing extenuating circumstances may be able to obtain exemptions from these new regulations, as explained by Saurabh Arora, CEO, and Founder of University Living.
How the Restriction on Concurrent Study Will Impact Indian Students
- Delayed Graduation Plans
Australia has witnessed a surge in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the country. India is the second-largest source of overseas students in Australia, with a substantial increase in Indian student enrollment in 2023 compared to the previous year.
With the new restriction on concurrent study, Indian students aiming to undertake an additional course will be required to wait for six months after starting their primary course. This delay could potentially impact their graduation plans.
- Limited Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students in Australia often rely on part-time work to support themselves financially. However, the new rules mean that students will have to complete at least six months of their primary course before they can seek concurrent enrollment in another course.
This may leave them with limited options for part-time work during their initial months in the country, making it challenging to cover their living expenses.
- Transfer Limitations
Australia already prohibits overseas students from transferring to another institution within the first six months of their primary course. With the additional regulations on concurrent enrollment, students who wish to transfer to a different course may have to wait even longer, potentially affecting their academic and career plans.
Australia’s decision to restrict concurrent study for international students reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its international education sector.
While these changes aim to address concerns related to ‘course-hopping,’ they also have potential implications for Indian students, including delays in graduation, limited part-time work opportunities, and transfer limitations.
As the international education landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for students and educational institutions to adapt to these new regulations and their consequences.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: First Post, NDTV, The Economic Times
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
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