Education providers will be required to provide more information on how their international students meet English language requirements.
Updated regulations, under the ESOS Act, that came into effect today will require providers to report on the English language tests undertaken by students as part of their visa applications.
Providers must now give more information on how their international students meet the student visa English language proficiency requirements, specifically:
- Information about the English language test a student took when they applied for a student visa, or
- Information about why a student was exempt from providing evidence of their level of English language proficiency when they applied for a student visa.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the new measures would help ensure the integrity of Australia's international higher education sector.
"International students generated $35 billion for our economy and sustained 240,000 jobs last year so it is vital that the system is protected," Mr Tehan said.
"The new regulations will improve transparency and help ensure providers are enrolling students with the appropriate English language skills. This will make it easier to monitor providers and take action where they don't meet the expected standards.
"The Morrison Government has strengthened English language proficiency requirements for overseas students and education providers through revisions to National ELICOS Standards. All providers delivering courses defined as ELICOS must now meet minimum requirements relating to course contact hours and staff-student ratios."
