Australia Revises Student Visa Rules, Major Impact on Indian Applicants

(AUSTRALIA) Australia has rolled out sweeping 2025 changes to its student visa system, raising costs and entry standards while tightening integrity checks that fall hardest on Indian applicants. The government says the updates aim to protect education quality, stop visa misuse, and keep growth steady. For many families in India planning a study path, the most immediate shifts are a higher visa fee, stricter English scores, more proof of funds, and fresh regional checks by some universities.

Key adjustments include a new Genuine Student (GS) test, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before applying, tougher language thresholds, and a sharp fee increase to AUD 2,000. Proof of funds has risen to AUD 28,710. Several universities have paused applications from six Indian states—Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir—citing fraud risks. Authorities also continue to pressure “ghost colleges” that recruit mainly for visa outcomes, not real learning.

Policy changes: what’s new

The replacement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) with Genuine Student (GS) is more than a label change. Under GS, applicants must clearly show they are coming to study, not for other reasons.

• Applicants should provide a focused Statement of Purpose that links the chosen course to prior studies and realistic career plans.
• Generic or vague statements will fail; officials expect specific detail on how the program fits, why Australia, post-graduation plans, and evidence the student will follow visa rules.

A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian provider is now mandatory before filing a student visa application. This aims to verify that applicants have a real place in a real course.

English requirements have risen:

• Minimum IELTS 6.0 for student visas (Subclass 500)
• Minimum IELTS 6.5 for graduate visas
• Recent test results are required to demonstrate current ability.

Financial and fee changes:

• Proof of funds for living costs: AUD 28,710 (up from AUD 24,505).
• Visa application charge: AUD 2,000 (more than doubled).
• Applications for the Subclass 500 student visa are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs; details are on the official page: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500.

Integrity and sector controls

Several universities have paused intakes from the six flagged Indian states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir) due to concerns about fraud and visa misuse. This targeted pause is expected to affect roughly 20% of Indian students who apply to Australia each year, with Gujarat a major source state.

Regulatory enforcement continues against “ghost colleges”:

• In August 2024, regulators closed more than 150 providers viewed as operating mainly for visa facilitation.
• New rules block students from switching from a university to a vocational course during the first six months, closing a known loophole.

These measures aim to protect students from poor-quality providers that can leave them with debt, no valid qualification, and visa jeopardy.

Intake planning and policy framing

For 2025/26, Canberra adjusted the National Planning Level for new international student places:

• Increased from 270,000 to 295,000
• The increase is cautious, favouring public universities
• Growth in vocational and English-language sectors is being limited

Officials from Education, Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, and Skills and Training presented these measures together. Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill described the approach as steady growth with a clear focus on quality and compliance.

Practical impact on applicants (especially from India)

Students from the six flagged states should expect:

• Heavier document checks
• More interviews and scrutiny
• Slower decision times while risk teams review files

The human and financial effects are visible:

• Families in Gujarat and Punjab report longer counselling sessions and higher upfront budgets to cover the fee jump and increased fund test.
• Education consultants, including Bhavin Thaker, warn that students from restricted states face fewer open intakes and tougher checks.

Sector-wide outcomes:

• According to VisaVerge.com analysis, the student visa approval rate remains near 90% in 2025—but primarily for applicants who meet the raised standards across GS evidence, English, funding, and enrolment. Careful, well-documented applications are passing; weak ones are not.

What applicants should do now

Prepare earlier and more thoroughly. A practical checklist:

1. Pick a recognized education provider and secure a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
2. Write a detailed Statement of Purpose addressing Genuine Student (GS) factors—link course choice to prior study and clear career plans.
3. Take an accepted English test and meet the raised minimums (IELTS 6.0 for student visas; 6.5 for graduate visas). Ensure results are recent.
4. Gather financial evidence of at least AUD 28,710 for living costs, plus tuition and travel funds.
5. File the Subclass 500 application online and pay the AUD 2,000 fee.
6. Respond promptly to requests for extra documents or interviews—especially if applying from the six flagged states.
7. After grant, comply with visa rules on course load, attendance, and work.

Work conditions remain:

• Most students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while classes are in session.
• Unlimited hours are allowed for research degrees.
• Breaching work rules can risk the visa—students should confirm job plans with their provider and check conditions listed in their grant notice.

Important: Keep documents clean and current—recent English tests, complete funding proofs, and a firm CoE. Choose reputable institutions with strong compliance records.

Broader context and outlook

These changes mirror a wider international trend—countries such as the United States and Canada have tightened student routes and post-study options in the past two years. That global pressure is shaping quality controls and destination choices.

The government has signaled that planning levels and risk settings may be adjusted through 2025/26. Regional pauses could either ease or expand depending on compliance outcomes and demand.

For now, the message is clear: Indian students who prepare early, meet the raised standards, and submit well-supported Subclass 500 applications continue to have a path to Australia’s classrooms—and a better chance of staying on track once they arrive.