International students have been put on alert, with the government to roll out tougher English tests.
From next year, students will need to formally pass an English course before they can enter tertiary education.
The stricter standards will include at least 20 face-to-face teaching hours a week, with classes having no more than 18 students at a time.
Education minister Simon Birmingham says for the first time the standard will also apply to vocational and training courses like TAFE.
