|
European students should be aware that Minister Amanda Vanstone has agreed to the following student visa changes. Ten countries, including eight from Central Europe, joined the EU in May 2004. This change has opened up pathways to free education in many EU member states and may adversely affect Australia's ability to attract students from these markets. A student's Assessment Level is determined by the passport they hold and the education sector of their principal course. Any education sector currently subject to Assessment Level 3 will be changed to Assessment Level 2 from 1 November 2004 for these countries. By reducing Assessment Levels for EU member states, the education industry will be better placed to market Australian education to these countries. Countries where Assessment Levels will change are Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia. This means that citizens of these countries who apply for a student visa on or after 1 November 2004 will be subject to Assessment Level 2 evidentiary visa requirements for all education sectors. | 
