New visa rules are posing challenges for international students. 

The federal government's recent migration review introduced a rule that lowers the qualifying age for a post-study work visa from 50 to 35 years. 

This move, part of a broader effort to revamp the migration system, has sparked concerns among students and academics, particularly regarding its impact on women and PhD graduates.

Approximately 23,500 international students are currently pursuing PhDs in Australia, representing 40 per cent of the total cohort. 

Notably, half of these students are over 30 years old at the start of their degree, which typically spans three to four years. 

The new age limit is seen as a potential barrier for these students, many of whom are women, to transition into permanent migration. This is especially challenging for those needing time away from their studies or careers, such as women undertaking master’s degrees.

Experts say there is a contradiction in the new policy. Australia, competing globally for talent, risks losing out on highly qualified graduates essential for economic growth and workforce demands. They say the policy seems at odds with efforts to enhance Australia's appeal to research talents.

The policy change coincides with a noticeable decline in the number of student visa holders in Australia, dropping from 664,178 in September to 612,099 by November end. 

While some of this decline is attributed to seasonal factors, it also reflects tighter visa regulations and greater scrutiny, especially for offshore applications.

Countries like Nepal, Colombia, the Philippines, and India have seen significant declines in visa approvals. In contrast, there has been a surge in applications from China and Vietnam, potentially linked to new English-language proficiency requirements. 

Onshore applications are also under closer scrutiny to combat misuse of the student visa system.