New simplified student visa rules will make it cheaper for Chinese families to educate their children in Australia than in China, according to a new report by Melbourne buyers agency Secret Agent.

On 1 July, the Australian government will introduce a new simplified student visa framework. There will only be one student visa available to study in Australia, making it easier for international students to enrol in local primary schools.

The Chinese education system is notoriously competitive, and homes near good public school in China have become very expensive. The alternative, expensive private schools, are beyond the reach of most Chinese families.

Combine the high price of living near good schools in Chinese cities with the polluted environment, and the stressful school system, it's no wonder that many Chinese families want to educate their children overseas.

The report states, "With Australia’s low exchange rate, established Chinese communities, balanced education system, greater choice of schools and relatively easier college entrance exam, it remains an attractive opportunity for many wealthy parents. Even our clean air is an incentive to make the move."

Secret Agent has looked at the cost of living in both Melbourne in Australia and Beijing in China, and the cost of housing in good school zones, and calculated that Chinese families will save approximately $360,000 by moving to Australia and educating their children here.

The report states, "The result is a staggering saving of AUD$359,788 if Chinese parents chose to send their children to Australia instead of Beijing for primary school studies."

The report says demand for properties in the best school zones will continue to rise, boosted by the new student visa rules. While attention until now has been focused on apartments, single-family homes may also increasingly appeal to Chinese families establishing family life in Australia, according to the report.

"In Secret Agent’s opinion, under the current FIRB rules, the price of properties in good school zones will continue to accelerate. We could also see prime inner city properties start to become acquisition targets. Many of these period homes have been 'off limits' to the foreign purchaser. This may no longer be the case."

See also:

The next step towards apartment dwelling

Education is Australia’s largest service export, by Gavin Norris

Angry responses to new foreign investor taxes

NSW joins Vic, Qld with foreign buyer tax increase