Griffith University update

Please see below for updates from Griffith.

1. Current Visa Processing Status (MD111)

For Griffith University applicants applying for student visas from overseas, the Australian Department of Home Affairs currently lists them as Priority 1 - High Priority processing.

2. English Language Requirements Update, Aligning with NMBA and AHPRA Standards

In response to the latest changes in language requirements by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Griffith University has updated the admission language requirements for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Midwifery
• Doctor of Medicine

This update includes:

• Expanded list of recognized English-speaking countries
• Lower writing score requirements in English tests (e.g., IELTS writing reduced from 7.0 to 6.5)
• New acceptance of Cambridge English Language Skills Test
• Extended validity of English test scores

3. New Visa Regulations Require Students to Provide Address

According to the latest update to visa condition 8533, all international students must notify the university of their Australian residential address, contact number, and email within 7 days of arriving in Australia.

If the student's visa was approved overseas, they must provide their residential address within 7 days of arrival in Australia. If the address changes while in Australia, it must also be updated within 7 days.

4. Career-Oriented Design: Empowering International Student Success

As part of the '2025–2030 Strategic Plan: Creating a Brighter Future for All', Griffith University will place greater emphasis on career outcomes, offering a value-driven experience embedded in the curriculum from day one.

The 'Purpose-Driven, Career-Ready' program, tailored for international students, will help students clarify their values and turn them into action. Through expanded internship opportunities, mentor support, personalized career coaching, and career education embedded in the curriculum, Griffith is helping students build global competitiveness.

5. Master of Social Work Opens T3 Intake (2025)

Griffith University is pleased to announce that the Master of Social Work now offers a T3 (Trimester 3) intake option, providing greater flexibility for students wishing to commence in the second half of 2025.

This professionally accredited course prepares students for practical work in social services, government, health, and non-profit sectors. Students will gain rich experience through field placements and practice learning guided by experienced faculty.

Limited places available, recommend students to apply early.

6. Higher Degree Research (HDR) Scholarship Applications Now Open

We are delighted to welcome 2025 HDR candidates to join Griffith's vibrant research community. Applications are now open for the HDR Continuous Scholarship Round (CSR) for Semester 1 (February) 2026.

Prospective PhD and research master's students interested in the 2026 Intake 1 are invited to submit scholarship applications by the dates published on the official website.

English Language requirements align to NMBA and AHPRA changes

To align with new Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) English Language requirement updates, Griffith University has updated the entry requirements for ourBachelor of Nursing,Bachelor of MidwiferyandDoctor of Medicinedegrees.

The update includes changes such as an expanded list of recognised English-speaking countries, a lower writing score accepted for English tests (e.g IELTS Writing score reduced from 7.0 to 6.5), the Cambridge English Language Skills Test is now accepted, and the test validity period has been extended.

In addition to reflecting Griffith's commitment to high-quality, ethical healthcare practices, these changes will ensure Griffith students are compliant with national regulations and can gain accreditation, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.

Griffith students shine in 2025 Mayor's Student Ambassador program

Griffith University is proud to celebrate the selection of 11 of our students as part of the 2025 Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program — more than half of this year’s cohort of 21 outstanding ambassadors representing 14 nationalities. These exceptional students will help promote the Gold Coast on a global stage through their experiences and stories.

The Mayor’s Student Ambassador Program, delivered by Experience Gold Coast, offers international and local students a unique opportunity to build leadership skills, engage with the community, and enjoy exclusive access to cultural, professional, and behind-the-scenes city experiences.

We’re thrilled to see so many Griffith students take on this exciting role, and we look forward to watching them share what makes the Gold Coast and Griffith such an exceptional place to live and study.

Visa updates require students to provide address

A new update to Visa Condition 8533 now requires all international students to inform us of their Australian address, contact number and email address on arrival in Australia.

If the visa was granted while the students were outside of Australia, they must inform the University of their residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia. If their residential address changes while they are in Australia, they must notify us within 7 days of the change.

Students can provide their Australian address and contact number to the University via myGriffith. Find a step-by-step guide at the link below.

Career-ready by design: empowering international student success

As part of our 2025–2030 strategy, Creating a Brighter Future for All, we're placing a stronger emphasis on career outcomes through an integrated, values-led experience that starts from day one. Designed with international students in mind, our Purpose-Driven, Career-Ready program will help students identify what matters to them and turn those aspirations into action.

With expanded access to work-integrated learning, mentoring, personalised career support, and embedded career education across programs, Griffith is helping students build the confidence, experience, and connections to succeed globally.

By combining tailored guidance with a data-informed understanding of each student’s goals, we ensure that international students graduate with more than a degree—they leave with direction, purpose, and real-world readiness.