
The WA Government is looking to introduce new education entry requirements for international students to increase the flow of people to the state and encourage more overseas students to study.
The new requirements, set to come into effect in 2018, would see those studying in WA’s regional areas required to demonstrate a “high academic standing” in the first two years of their studies, and will be assessed in a two-year period, as well as having to show they have at least four years of relevant postgraduate study in WA.
However, WA’s education entry criteria are set to expand, with the requirement to have “high level academic standing in the two years prior to the commencement of their education”, to the three-year mark.
It comes after the WA Government announced that it was looking to expand its visa requirement for overseas students, with some students hoping to study in the state.
A spokesperson for the WA Department of Education told ABC News the new requirements would increase the number of students coming to WA and encourage overseas students.
“There are also opportunities for students from the overseas community to gain more skills through internships, volunteering, or other activities,” the spokesperson said.
Foreign students have long been a part of WA’s economy, with thousands of students studying in the WA region each year.
Earlier this year, WA became the first state to increase its visa requirements for overseas student arrivals, with new requirements expected to be announced this year.