While some university sector bodies welcomed the new order, it was quickly criticised by the Group of Eight (Go8) — an organisation representing some of the nation's leading research-intensive universities.
Group of Eight chief executive Vicki Thomson said the government had replaced "one flawed process with another".
"We run the risk of confusing the international student market with these constant changes to policy settings. For too many potential students, it makes Australia look too hard and too unwelcoming as a higher education destination," she said.
New international student order met with mixed reaction from university sector. AAP, SBS News