Studying in Australia after July 2010

Obviously the legislative changes in relation to the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for General Skilled Migration (GSM) purposes has had and will continue to have far reaching consequences in terms of the Student Visa Program numbers.

In the past, some overseas students may have made educational decisions on the basis of choosing a course which could lead to obtaining a Pre Application Skills Assessment (PASA) in an occupation which would allow them to meet the Basic Requirements and Pass Mark for the Skilled Visa Points Test. It increasingly became evident that educational choice  and outcomes had little to do with employment outcomes. The move to a demand driven GSM program has significantly changed the landscape. 

Please see the following articles which highlight some of the issues. There are differing opinions and also seemingly contradictory statistics -

Private college numbers on the rise - by Guy Healy, The Australian, June 30, 2010

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/private-college-numbers-on-the-rise/story-e6frgcjx-1225885858215 

Changes to visas 'will close colleges' - By Sarah-Jayne Collins, Sydney Morning Herald, June 28, 2010

http://www.smh.com.au/national/changes-to-visas-will-close-colleges-20100627-zc2s.html