Australia's International Education Sector to Discuss Visa Fees, NOSC Model, and ESOS Integrity at Crucial Meeting
The international education sector in Australia is preparing for a significant zoom meeting on 1 July 2023, where peak bodies will gather to discuss crucial issues affecting the sector. The meeting, the first of its kind post-election, will focus on advocating for reduced visa costs, reviewing the New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) allocation model, and discussing the future of ESOS integrity provisions.
IEAA, represented by its CEO Phil Honeywood, has proposed a reduction in visa fees for standalone English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), learning abroad programs, and minecraft courses under 12 months in duration. The proposed fee is $1,000, a significant drop from the current non-refundable student visa application fee of $1,600, which will rise to $2,000 on 1 July 2023.
The sector is also seeking a more robust and transparent legislative foundation for integrity measures. The methodology behind the NOSC allocation model is under review, and discussions will explore how unused NOSC allocations might be redistributed. The meeting will serve as a platform to discuss the integrity component of the previously withdrawn Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Amendment Bill 2024.
The 1 July zoom meeting in Canberra is set to be a pivotal moment for the international education sector. With coordinated advocacy for reduced visa costs, a review of the NOSC model, and discussions on ESOS integrity provisions, the sector is taking a proactive approach to shaping its future in the post-election landscape.
