As a Registered Migration Agent with over 15 years of dedicated experience in Australian immigration law, I understand that navigating the ever-evolving landscape of visa regulations can be challenging. My commitment, as always, is to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and transparent information, strictly adhering to the MARA Code of Conduct. Recent weeks have brought significant updates to Australia’s student visa program, particularly impacting Indian citizens.

This post will delve into these critical changes, ensuring you are fully informed and well-prepared for your Australian study journey.

Headlines

• Australian Student Visa Shake-Up: What Indian Citizens Need to Know This Week
• Urgent Updates: New Australian Student Visa Rules for Indian Applicants (October 2025)
• Indian Students to Australia: Navigating the Latest Visa Changes Effectively
• Genuine Student Requirement & More: Key Australian Student Visa Updates for India
• Your Guide to Australia’s Evolving Student Visa Landscape: Latest for Indian Citizens

Unpacking the Recent Australian Student Visa Changes for Indian Citizens

Dreaming of pursuing higher education in Australia? It’s a fantastic aspiration, offering world-class institutions and diverse cultural experiences. However, the path to obtaining an Australian student visa (Subclass 500) requires meticulous preparation and an understanding of the latest policy changes. This “week,” and indeed throughout 2025, has seen pivotal shifts in Australia’s immigration framework that directly affect Indian citizens. Failing to acknowledge these updates could jeopardise your application.

Let’s break down the most recent announcements and ongoing reforms you need to be aware of.

Understanding the New Landscape for Indian Student Visa Applicants

The Australian government is continually refining its international student program to ensure its integrity and that it serves genuine educational purposes. For Indian applicants, these changes mean a heightened focus on authenticity and preparedness.

1. The Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: A Major Shift

One of the most significant changes, implemented from March 23, 2024, is the replacement of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This isn’t just a change in name; it’s a recalibration of what the Department of Home Affairs assesses.

• What it is: The GS requirement assesses whether an applicant genuinely intends to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes. It aims to ensure that international students are in Australia for a legitimate educational purpose, rather than primarily for migration or other long-term residence goals.
• How it works: Instead of a free-form personal statement, you will now answer a series of targeted questions within the visa application form itself. These questions delve into your current circumstances (ties to family, community, employment in India), your motivation for choosing your course and Australia, how the course benefits your career goals, and your immigration history.
• Impact for Indian Applicants: You must present a compelling case, clearly explaining how your chosen course aligns with your academic background and future career aspirations. Generic motivations will no longer suffice.

2. Updated Evidence Levels for Student Visas (Effective September 30, 2025)

This week brings a crucial update to the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) Evidence Levels, effective for applications lodged on or after September 30, 2025.

• India’s Status: India has been categorized as Level 2.
• What this means: The evidence level, combined with the evidence level of your chosen education provider, determines the level of documentation required for your visa application regarding financial capacity and English language proficiency. While being Level 2 means Australian universities may require fewer upfront documents from Indian students (especially if the provider is also low-risk), additional evidence may still be requested depending on the education provider’s risk assessment. A combination of a low-risk country and a low-risk provider might lead to a more streamlined process, whereas a higher-risk combination could result in stricter scrutiny and more documentation.

3. Increased Financial Capacity Requirements

Since May 10, 2024, the financial capacity requirements have significantly increased.

• New Threshold: Applicants must now demonstrate access to a minimum of AUD 29,710 for living costs per year, in addition to covering first-year tuition fees and return airfare.
• Proof of Funds: The Department of Home Affairs is demanding stronger evidence of financial capacity. Vague bank letters or unverified sources are no longer accepted. You should expect thorough checks on whether your funds are genuine and readily accessible.

4. Mandatory Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

From January 1, 2025, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is mandatory for all student visa applications, including those lodged onshore in Australia.

• Key Change: Previously, a Letter of Offer might have sufficed in some instances. Now, you must have a valid CoE from a registered Australian education institution at the time of lodging your visa application.
• Implication: This ensures that only students formally admitted and committed to an eligible course proceed with the visa process, preventing “visa hopping” for onshore applicants.

5. Increased Student Visa Application Fee

As of July 1, 2025, the base application fee for the Student visa (Subclass 500) increased from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000. This is a significant cost increase that applicants must budget for.

6. English Language Test Updates

Recent changes to English language proficiency requirements are also crucial.

• Higher Scores: The IELTS band requirement for student visas increased to 6.0 (from 5.5) in 2024.
• New Accepted Tests: As of August 2025, Australia now accepts additional English language tests, including the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General), LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).
• No Online Tests: Importantly, any English proficiency test taken online will generally not be accepted for an Australian student visa.

7. Age Limit for Temporary Graduate (Post-Study Work) Visa

If your post-study plan includes applying for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), note that as of 2025, the maximum eligible age has been revised to 35 years.

8. Australian Immi App Expansion (Effective September 30, 2025)

While not immediately available in India, the Australian Department of Home Affairs expanded the use of the Australian Immi App to 10 more countries from September 30, 2025, with a global rollout expected by early 2026. This app allows eligible visa applicants to submit passport details and facial biometrics directly from smartphones, potentially saving time and cost by reducing the need to visit biometric collection centres.

Key Considerations for Indian Applicants

• Plan Early: Given the stricter requirements and increased scrutiny, start your application process well in advance.
• Document Checklist Tool: Utilise the Department of Home Affairs’ online Document Checklist Tool to ensure you gather all necessary paperwork according to the updated Evidence Levels.
• Consistency is Key: Your application should tell a consistent story that clearly links your educational background, chosen course, and future career goals, reinforcing your genuine intent to study.
• No “Visa Hopping”: If you are already in Australia on a visitor or temporary graduate visa, understand that converting to a student visa from onshore has become significantly more restricted to curb “visa hopping.”

Conclusion

The Australian student visa program is undergoing continuous refinement, with recent announcements from this week further shaping the landscape for Indian applicants. The emphasis is firmly on genuine students who demonstrate a clear commitment to their studies and compliance with visa conditions. While these changes may seem daunting, with careful preparation, accurate documentation, and a thorough understanding of the requirements, your dream of studying in Australia remains achievable.

It is imperative to keep abreast of these changes, as immigration policies are dynamic and subject to frequent updates.

Disclaimer & Contact Us

Please be advised that immigration laws and policies change frequently. The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice from a registered migration agent. Oz World Migration Consultants operates strictly within the legal and ethical boundaries of our profession, providing accurate, responsible, and compliant advice. We never make false promises or guarantee outcomes.

For personalised, up-to-date, and accurate advice regarding your Australian student visa application, please do not hesitate to contact Oz World Migration Consultants directly.

Phone: +61401344718
Email: contact@oz-world.com.au

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