How Australia's New Student Visa Caps and Latest Immigration Policies Affect Prospective Students?

Australia New Rules for International Students

The new immigration rules in Australia for international students were introduced last year. The impact on the prospective students, especially from India is high. Some of these major changes include:

• Increased Cap: The cap on student enrolments might rise from 270,000 to 295,000 in 2026. Public universities will be able to welcome up to 145,000 international students, while private institutions can admit 30,000.

• Higher Australian Student Visa Fees: The fees for the Australian student visas increased to AUD 2,000, making it the highest in the world.

• Mandatory CoE: Applicants are required to submit a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) instead of just a Letter of Offer.

• Genuine Student (GS) Test: All applicants will need to demonstrate that their primary purpose is to study in Australia by meeting new GS requirements.

• Financial Proof: Students must provide evidence of AUD 29,710 in savings, along with funds for their first-year tuition and airfare.

• New English Tests Accepted: The CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET) are now acceptable in Australia. However, keep in mind that online tests are not accepted.

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Impact of New Immigration Rules in Australia on Prospective Students

The changes introduced have a larger impact on the international students planning to study in Australia. These reforms enhance the transparency and credibility of Australia’s education system, but they also make the visa process more expensive, document-heavy, and selective for aspiring students. These are as follows:

More Opportunities: With the enrolment cap set to increase in 2026, more international students, particularly from India, will have the chance to gain admission to Australian universities.

Higher Financial Burden: The rise in visa fees to AUD 2,000 has increased the application costs, which could be a challenge for those considering short-term or budget-friendly programs.

Stricter Application Process: The new requirement for a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) means that only students who are officially admitted can apply, helping to remove fraudulent applications.

Selective Visa Screening: The introduction of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement means that applicants will need to clearly demonstrate their intent to study, making the application process more competitive.

Increased Financial Proof: Students are now required to show AUD 29,710 in savings, in addition to covering tuition and airfare, which again increases the costs for applicants on stricter budgets.

Conclusion

Australia's recent changes to immigration and visa policies will make the international education process more organized and selective. While the new student cap opens up more opportunities, the increased visa fees, tougher eligibility checks, and stricter financial proof requirements can make things a bit challenging. For students looking to study in Australia, particularly those from India, it is going to be important to plan carefully, gather documentation, and submit their application as per the new regulations.

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