Australia eases visa rules for Korean students

The Australian government has eased visa rules for South Korean students who take language courses and vocational training there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Monday.

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship said the visas for language studies and vocational training will be eased from level 2 to level 1 for South Koreans as of March 24, the ministry said.

Currently, South Korean students are given level 1 student visa in four areas ―elementary/middle/high school courses, tertiary courses, graduate courses and non-degree/pre-college courses.

The Australian government’s decision came as South Koreans who apply for working holiday visas have adapted to Australian society and contributed to the mutual interests of the two countries, the ministry said.

Under the new visa rules, South Koreans who stay in Australia with working holiday visas will be able to receive student visas in Australia online through an easier procedure from March 24, it said.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)