International students looking to study at Australian universities may face higher English language entry requirements after a push from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. He's urging the federal government to lift entry standards for people trying to obtain a student visa, with concerns that many are given places to study but have little likelihood of graduating because of their limited English.

There are calls for the federal government to review English entry requirements at Australian universities amid concerns international students are falling behind.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has written to the Victorian branch of the National Tertiary Education Union, saying he will urge the Morrison government to make changes.

Under current requirements, those wanting a student visa need a score of at least 5.5 out of 9 in the International English Language Testing System.

Most universities require students with a score of between 6 and 7, but the government will grant a student visa with a score of 4.5 -- classified as limited or modest grasp of English -- if the student enrolls in a 20-week intensive English course.

While students need to pass that course, they do not need to resit the language test.

Victoria's acting Minister for Higher Education, James Merlino, has issued a statement saying it's compromising international students' ability to learn in Australia.

Source