Latest Australia Student Visa Rules 2025–2026

Australia has long been one of the most popular study destinations in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students every year. However, over the past two years, the Australian government has introduced several new policies to manage international student growth, improve visa integrity, and ensure that genuine students receive priority.

If you are planning to study in Australia in 2025–2026, it is essential to understand the new student visa rules, how they impact your application, and what you should prepare before applying. This blog explains all major changes in clear, simple language.

Latest Australia Student Visa Rules (2025–2026)

1. Higher Visa Application Fees

As of October 2025, the base application fee for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) has increased to AUD 2,000. The rise is higher than normal CPI adjustments, making the visa more expensive than in previous years.

What this means for you: Students must plan a higher budget before lodging the visa application.

2. Increased Financial Capacity (“Show Money”)

The required proof of funds has increased. Students must now show at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, in addition to tuition fees and travel expenses.

You must also show evidence that these funds have been held for the required time before applying.

Impact: Applicants need stronger financial preparation and more stable funding sources.

3. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

The previous GTE requirement has been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) test.

Visa officers now look more closely at:

• Your academic background

• Your study progression

• Your future plans

• Your genuine intent to study

Impact: A strong, well-structured GS statement is now crucial.

4. Work Limitations

Working hours have been capped at:

• 48 hours per fortnight during study periods

• Unlimited hours during official breaks

Impact: Students cannot depend heavily on part-time work for living costs during semesters.

5. Restrictions on Onshore Visa Applications

From mid-2024 onwards, certain visa holders in Australia are not allowed to apply for a student visa while remaining onshore. These include:

• Temporary Graduate visa holders (subclass 485)

• Visitor visa holders (600, 601, 651)

• Maritime crew visas

Impact: Some applicants must apply from outside Australia, reducing onshore visa hopping.

6. Changes to Post-Study Work (Temporary Graduate Visa 485)

Major updates include:

• Age limit lowered to 35 years for many streams

• Renaming of visa streams

• Stricter academic eligibility

Impact: Not all students will be eligible for post-study work rights. Planning ahead is essential.

7. New Visa Processing Priority (Ministerial Direction 115)

This is one of the biggest changes.

Under the new directive, the speed of visa processing depends on your education provider’s international student allocation.

There are three priority levels:

1. Priority 1: Providers under 80% of their allocation

2. Priority 2: Providers between 80%–115%

3. Priority 3: Providers above 115% (slowest processing)

Some providers may also get priority if they:

• Focus on Southeast Asian markets

• Invest in student housing

• Support transnational education

Impact: Your choice of university or college now directly affects how fast your visa is processed.

8. National Planning Level for International Students

Australia has introduced a national planning approach to manage enrolment numbers.
By 2026, the planning level is set around 295,000 international students, ensuring controlled growth rather than unlimited increases.

Impact: Competition for places may increase, especially at high-demand institutions.

9. Higher English Language Requirements

Many applicants now need:

• IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band

• Equivalent scores for TOEFL, PTE, OET

Impact: Students with lower English proficiency must improve their skills before applying.

10. Crackdown on Low-Quality Education Providers

The government is taking strict action against:

• Non-compliant colleges

• “Ghost colleges”

• Institutions with poor student outcomes

Students also face restrictions on transferring to VET (vocational) courses within the first six months.

Impact: Students should choose reputable, quality institutions to avoid risk.

11. Possible Changes to Visa Refusal Review

A new tribunal system is under discussion that may introduce paper-only reviews for student visa refusals, meaning no oral hearings.

Impact: Visa appeals may become more challenging, emphasizing the need for a strong initial application.

What These Changes Mean for Students

Choose your institution strategically: Select an education provider wisely, as visa processing speed now depends heavily on the provider’s priority level.

Strengthen your GS statement: Clearly explain your purpose for studying, your academic goals, and why Australia is the right choice for you.

Prepare financially: Ensure you meet the increased “show money” requirements and are ready for the higher visa application fees.

Improve your English: Aim to meet or exceed the new, stricter English language proficiency scores required for the visa.

Plan early: Think ahead about post-study work options and your long-term career or migration goals, as rules have become stricter.

Conclusion

Australia remains a top global study destination, but the country is now taking a more structured and integrity-focused approach to international student visas. The latest rules aim to ensure that genuine students are prioritized, institutions maintain high standards, and the system remains sustainable.

If you are planning to apply for a student visa in 2025–2026, it is more important than ever to prepare thoroughly, financially, academically, and strategically. With the right planning and documentation, you can still build a strong pathway to studying and succeeding in Australia.