Recent Policy Changes Affecting Onshore Student Applications at Western Sydney University

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Onshore Student Applications at Western Sydney University

The recent changes in government policy and updates from the Department of Home Affairs have resulted in significant modifications to how Western Sydney University (WSU) assesses onshore student applications. This blog post aims to provide clarity on the types of applicant profiles that will no longer be considered for onshore applications and those that remain acceptable.

Students Holding a 600 Visitor Visa

Any student currently holding a 600 Visitor Visa, regardless of their stay conditions, will not be accepted for assessment by WSU. These applicants must return to their home countries or go offshore to submit their applications. Their 500 Student Visa applications must be made offshore. If your students fall into this category, please advise them to return home and apply from there.

Students Holding a 408 Covid Visa

Students holding a valid 408 Covid Visa will also not be accepted for assessment by the International Admissions team at WSU. These students are encouraged to apply from offshore for future study opportunities with the university. Please refrain from submitting applications for students currently holding a 408 visa and instead guide them to apply from their home countries.

Students Holding a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

For students holding a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, WSU can consider applications if the applicant has a straightforward profile. This includes students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, undertaken a period of work on a 485 visa, and now seek to continue their studies in a master's program. There should be a cognate match between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees or a relationship between the work undertaken during the 485 period and the future master’s program. This also applies to students who have undertaken a 485 visa after their VET Diploma program and are now seeking a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants with these profiles must demonstrate a history of good academic progress and no evidence of ‘course hopping’ or multiple previous Confirmation of Enrolments (COEs) at various institutions. Additionally, applicants will need to apply for a student visa from offshore to complete their studies.

Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) – MNP

Due to the high volume of applications for the Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) degree, there is a significant backlog in processing. The priority is currently on Quarter 3 and Semester 2 of 2024 applications. Consequently, many applications have not been processed yet, leading to delays in outcomes. Students are reminded to be patient with their applications for January 2025.

Unconditional offers for the MNP program will not be made until June 1st. There will be a window of opportunity to accept and pay during the month of June, with a deadline of June 30th. After this period, WSU will review available seats and inform applicants of future windows for issuing unconditional offers and acceptances.

Currently, no acceptances have been processed for the MNP program. Applicants must have a full offer with no conditions to accept and pay, and no reduced deposit payments are available. The total required for acceptance and COE is $23,137.

Due to the high demand for the MNP program, no scholarships will be applied to the 2025 intake, and no change of agent will be allowed. Additionally, the Pre-Tertiary Nursing Studies program for entry to the January 2025 MNP start date is closed. Students aiming for the 2026 MNP program are advised to consider alternative pathways.

Completed Masters Degree to New Masters Degree

Students who have completed an AQF Masters degree and wish to apply for a second Masters degree onshore will not be considered if they need a new 500 Student Visa. For example, a student who has completed a Master of Health Science and now seeks to undertake a Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) will not be accepted. However, if the duration of their second master's program is fully covered by a different visa, such as a 485 visa, their application may be considered.

Conclusion

WSU's updated policies are in line with the Department of Home Affairs' recent guidelines on onshore students. These changes aim to ensure the best possible educational and visa outcomes for all applicants. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adapting to these new requirements. For further information or clarification, please contact WSU’s International Admissions team.