Zoltan Bertok
21st October 2009, 12:35 PM
An investigation by The Australian has revealed that the racket starts overseas with the bogus student being offered a "package" of the finance necessary to satisfy Australian student support requirements, plus fake documentation, access to a dodgy private college, accommodation and even part-time work.
In order to get a visa, students are required to have at least $12,000 in a bank account, but under the scam the education agents lend the bogus students the money they need to circumvent financial requirements.
The loan is given at a high rate of interest, and in some cases the bogus student must make an immediate upfront payment of up to one-third of the total back to the agent.
The bogus student is then provided with false English language documentation to study in Australia at a certain educational level, and enrolled in a college owned by the agent or a relative in Australia.
Once in Australia, the student does not even show up for class but is marked as fully attendant to satisfy strict visa requirements, provided fees are paid.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,26239351-12332,00.html
In order to get a visa, students are required to have at least $12,000 in a bank account, but under the scam the education agents lend the bogus students the money they need to circumvent financial requirements.
The loan is given at a high rate of interest, and in some cases the bogus student must make an immediate upfront payment of up to one-third of the total back to the agent.
The bogus student is then provided with false English language documentation to study in Australia at a certain educational level, and enrolled in a college owned by the agent or a relative in Australia.
Once in Australia, the student does not even show up for class but is marked as fully attendant to satisfy strict visa requirements, provided fees are paid.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,26239351-12332,00.html