<![CDATA[International Education & Visa Services Australia - Blog]]>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:13:37 +1100Weebly<![CDATA[Student visa changes from October 2]]>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:44:37 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/student-visa-changes-from-october-2
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In an effort to reduce the numbers of temporary visa holders in Australia the federal government has implemented changes to who can apply for a Student visa, and where they can apply. The changes are:
  1. Family can no longer be included in a Student visa application, unless the student is a PhD or DFAT sponsored student
  2. All applicants must lodge a visa application from outside Australia, and be outside Australia when the visa is granted, unless the student:
    1. Has less than 12 months to complete their principal course of study
    2. Has completed the principal course and is enrolled in one more course of study at a higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
    3. Has completed a non-AQF course and is enrolled in one more course of study with an AQF level
    4. Is a school student
The changes have taken effect immediately. Those applications lodged before the changes took effect, and which are undecided, will be assessed under the regulations that were in effect at the time of lodgement. 

More information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

]]><![CDATA[Staying with a Homestay Family - Part 2]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:17:53 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/august-25th-2026
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Loclie Pagen from PNG is in Grade 12 at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns. 

"Living with my host family has been a valuable part of my experience as an international student in Australia. Being away from my family and home country, Papua New Guinea can be challenging at times, especially the start of my journey in Year 10, but my host family has provided me with a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that has helped me settle into Australia.
 
I have learned important life skills such as independence, responsibility, communication, and adapting to different environments through living with my host family. My host family has always made an effort to include me in family activities, celebrate special occasions with me, and support me throughout my studies and personal growth.
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They have helped me improve my confidence, understand Australian culture, and feel at home while studying overseas. I am grateful for the kindness, care, and guidance they have shown me during my time in Australia.
Overall, my experience living with a host family has been extremely positive and has played a significant role in making my international student journey enjoyable, comfortable, and successful."
]]><![CDATA[Staying with a Homestay Family]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:11:01 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/august-04th-2026
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Gorbachev Sua from PNG is currently in Grade 12 at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns. Here he is pictured with his homestay parent.

​"For the past two years, living as an international student in Australia has been an unforgettable experience, and that is entirely because of my host family. They are truly some of the best people I have ever known in my life. They have been incredibly kind to me from day one, always making sure I am well looked after. From cooking the most delicious food to treating me like a part of their own family, they have made my time here incredibly happy and comfortable.

What makes them so special is how much they truly care and go out of their way for me every single day. No matter what my schedule looks like, they are always there to drop me off and pick me up from school, and they make sure I get to and from work safely. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to stay with during my journey, and I am so deeply grateful for everything they have done for me."

Homestay is a fantastic way to experience and immerse yourself in your study Australia journey, and it takes the worry out of finding accommodation, and organising a Student Guardian visa. All homestay families undergo a rigorous inspection and assessment process. Contact us or click here to find out more. 
]]><![CDATA[Study Australia Education Mission to Port Moresby - Stanley Hotel July 16 and 17]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:30:43 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/study-australia-education-mission-to-port-moresby-stanley-hotel-july-16-and-17
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The Study Australia Education Mission to Port Moresby will host an array of Australian higher education providers. If you are planning to study in Australia please register your attendance and come on down to meet with university representatives. Click here for more information. 
]]><![CDATA[Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is visiting Port Moresby May 16. Come and see us at the Hilton Hotel!]]>Sat, 02 May 2026 02:14:04 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/queensland-university-of-technology-qut-is-visiting-port-moresby-may-16-come-and-see-us-at-the-hilton-hotel
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Erika Reynolds from QUT is coming to Port Moresby and will visit POMIS, St Joseph's and PoM Grammar. Erika will provide information on QUT's campuses, study options, facilities, sporting clubs, and life at QUT. IEVSA will be hosting Erika and QUT at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday May 16. We invite interested parents to drop in and say hello. You will have the opportunity to talk directly with Erika and find out everything you need to know about studying at QUT. 
]]><![CDATA[Griffith University visits Papua New Guinea with International Education and Visa Services Australia (IEVSA)]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:54:27 GMThttps://www.ievsa.com.au/blog/griffith-university-visits-papua-new-guinea-with-international-education-and-visa-services-australia-ievsa​Last week IEVSA hosted Griffith University and Griffith College in Port Moresby, PNG. The trip included visits to Port Moresby International School, St Joseph's International Catholic College, and Port Moresby Grammar School. Over 500 students attended the information sessions at the schools. 

On Saturday a Meet & Greet session was held at the Hilton Hotel and attended by almost 100 families. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with university representatives first-hand. Families gained valuable insights into courses, entry requirements, pathways, application lodgement and visa processing. 

International Education & Visa Services Australia (IEVSA) are the only Australian registered migration agents with a permanent office in PNG, licenced and registered with the Australian government to provide immigration and study abroad services in PNG. We have been registered since 2013 and assisted over 1,000 students to study in Australia and New Zealand. ​
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