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For thousands of Indian students who dream of studying in Australia, 2025 is not just another year—it’s a turning point. With sweeping reforms introduced to its student visa system, Australia is tightening the rules, raising expectations, and reshaping how international education works within its borders.
These changes, part of the Australian government’s broader migration overhaul, aim to safeguard education quality and prevent system abuse. But for genuine students, it means careful planning, sharper documentation, and stronger clarity on intent.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes Indian applicants need to understand:
Previously, students were assessed based on the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. In 2025, that’s been replaced with the more focused Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Unlike GTE, which was broader and often inconsistent in application, the GS policy is designed to directly evaluate whether a student genuinely intends to study and comply with visa conditions.
This means students must now present a stronger case—explaining why they’ve chosen a particular course, how it aligns with their academic background and career goals, and how they plan to comply with Australian visa conditions. Weak statements or generic motivations won’t pass anymore.
Tip: When applying, make sure your Statement of Purpose clearly explains your long-term vision, not just short-term plans.
Starting July 1, 2024, the cost of applying for an Australian student visa increased significantly—from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 (approx. ₹88,000). This steep hike is aimed at managing student volumes and ensuring applicants are financially serious about studying in Australia.
This means families need to budget more for the initial phase of the application. It’s now more critical than ever to get your application right the first time and avoid rejections or delays that would require re-application.
Tip: Start your financial planning early and factor in the new application costs in your overall budget.
Whether you’re applying from India or already in Australia on another visa—there’s no workaround anymore. From January 2025, onshore applicants can no longer apply using just a Letter of Offer. A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a recognised institution is now mandatory for all student visa applications.
This change ensures that only students who are formally admitted into an eligible course proceed with visa processing.
Tip: Don’t wait till the last moment. Get your CoE from your chosen institution before initiating your visa application.
In a move that caught many off guard, several universities in Australia have started restricting applications from students belonging to six Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
These restrictions are not official government policies but university-level decisions based on growing concerns over fraudulent applications and document inconsistencies from specific regions.
Note: If you’re from one of these states, choose your institution carefully and prepare for additional scrutiny or documentation requests.
If you plan to stay and work in Australia after your studies through the Graduate visa route, take note—the age limit has been revised. As of 2025, the maximum eligible age for the Temporary Graduate Visa is now 35 years.
Also, students already on visitor or temporary graduate visas in Australia can no longer convert their status to student visa from within the country. This move is intended to prevent “visa hopping” and enforce upfront compliance with immigration policies.
Tip: Plan your visa pathway ahead of time. Don’t count on switching visas once you arrive.
To ensure academic readiness, the minimum English requirement for student visas has been raised. Applicants now need to show a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with some universities demanding 6.5 or higher). These changes apply to both general and ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) courses.
The TOEFL iBT test has also been reinstated and is again accepted for visa applications. Just make sure your scores are recent and fall within the validity period set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Tip: Prepare well for your English proficiency test. Take a mock test early to gauge where you stand.
Australia has updated the minimum financial requirement to support student living expenses. From May 2024 onwards, applicants must show access to at least AUD 29,710 (~₹16.3 lakh) to cover living costs—excluding tuition.
The aim is to ensure students can support themselves without relying excessively on part-time work or external help.
In return, students are now allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (part-time) during study sessions and full-time during breaks—making the study-work balance slightly more flexible.
Tip: Build a solid financial plan and gather proof of funds well before you apply.
Introduced in late 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 now prioritises student visa applications based on the applicant’s institution and course. Applications from universities with high compliance rates and courses aligned with skilled occupations are processed faster, while others may face delays.
Tip: Choose your course and university wisely. It can directly impact your visa processing time.
Australia’s new student visa rules reflect a shift toward higher accountability, better quality control, and stronger applicant filtering. For Indian students, this means fewer shortcuts and more structured preparation.
While these reforms raise the bar, they also reassure universities and employers about the credibility of international graduates. If you’re a serious, goal-oriented student, these changes should not deter you—but they do demand smarter planning, stronger documentation, and timely execution.
Onebounce is here to help you navigate these changes. From helping you craft your Statement of Purpose to selecting the right course and securing your CoE, our team ensures that your journey to Australia remains confident and compliant.
