How India’s Move to Assessment Level 2 from Level 3 Makes Australian Student Visas Easier?
The risk assessment level and the education provider’s risk rating decide the documentation needs for an applicant. Effective September 30, 2025, the risk assessment for Australian study visa (subclass 500) in India has been lowered to level 3 to level 2, resulting in fewer upfront documentary requirements (financial proof and English language proficiency may not be always required) and faster visa processing times for Indian students which means Australian universities will now require fewer documents from students. However, requirements still depend on the educational provider (CRICOS), chosen course, and personal history. Hence, students are always advised to check the documents checklist tool before applying to study in Australia.
This Story also Contains
- Australia Student Visa New Rules
- What are assessment/evidence levels?
- How does the New Evidence Level Affect the Indian Applicants?
- Steps to verify your own assessment level for Indian Applicants
- Timeline Implications for 2026 Intake
- Sample Checklist for Level 3 vs Level 2 Assessment Levels for Australian Universities
- Important Considerations for Assessment Levels in Australia
- What should Indian Applicants do?
- Is IELTS required for Australia?
Australia Student Visa New Rules
Amidst the annoying immigration changes in Australia, a lot of Australia student visa updates are in the news these days. Following are some major Australia new rules for international students.
Increased international student cap of 295,000 in 2026
Increased Australian student visa fees of AUD 2,000
Mandatory requirement of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Requirement of Genuine Student (GS)
Increased financial requirements
New acceptable English language tests
Also Read: Australia student visa new rules affecting Indian students
What are assessment/evidence levels?
The Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) of Australia assigns an assessment level to each combination of:
Country of passport
Education provider (university/college CRICOS code)
The assessment levels (level 1 to level 3) give an account of how much evidence is required at the time of lodgement. Lower evidence level means less documents are required, and higher level means more scrutiny and security. International students must check the department’s document checklist tool before applying for the Australian student visa. For the applications lodged on or after 30th September, 2025, the Department systems and the Document Checklist Tool will reflect these September 2025 Evidence Levels.
Related Reads:
How does the New Evidence Level Affect the Indian Applicants?
Category | Level 3 (Before) | Level 2 (Now) |
|---|---|---|
Upfront proof of finances | Frequently required at lodgement. | May not be required at lodgement for many providers — can be asked later. Lower immediate documentation burden. |
English evidence (IELTS/PTE) | Often required at lodgement. | Less often required at lodgement; provider + course determine this. The department may still request it later. |
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) scrutiny | Higher scrutiny due to higher risk rating. | Still required, but may be somewhat lighter for providers with good track records. |
Processing / Grant likelihood | Slower, more requests, higher admin load. | Potentially faster/cleaner lodgement—but processing priorities (MD111) and caps still matter. |
Who it helps most | Applicants to low-risk providers benefit more. | Applicants to established, reputable providers (and priority courses) will notice the biggest benefits. |
Steps to verify your own assessment level for Indian Applicants
These are the steps to check your own evidence level under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) of Australia.
Step 1: Open the Department of Home Affairs document checklist tool
Step 2: Click on the country of your passport and select India
Step 3: Enter the name of your education provider or CRICOS code
Step 4: Click display evidence to check whether you are required to submit financial or English language proficiency or not at lodgement for your educational provider
Step 5: Save the checklist shown and arrange all the required documents
Timeline Implications for 2026 Intake
Considering the assessment change, these are the important considerations regarding the timeline for 2026 admission intake.
Apply early: Even when the assessment level for India has lowered to level 2, the processing priorities under MInisterial Direction (MD111) can give priority to some courses or education providers over others. So, apply as early as the university allows. Keep at least 8-12 weeks in hand before your course commences (or even more if you expect more documentation requirements).
2026 student cap update: Australia announced a reversed student enrollment cap update of 295,00 in 2026, however, policy changes may impact intake planning and university locations.
Read More: Admission Intakes in Australia for International Students
Sample Checklist for Level 3 vs Level 2 Assessment Levels for Australian Universities
International students must use the documents checklist tool for their providers. This sample is for illustrative purposes only.
Document | Level 3 | Level 2 |
Valid passport | Required | Required |
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) | Required | Required |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Required | Required |
Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsor letter) | Required at lodgement | Often not required at lodgement — they can ask for it later |
Often required at lodgement | May not be required at lodgement for many providers | |
GTE statement + supporting docs | Required | Required |
Academic transcripts & COEs | Required | Required |
Know more about:
Important Considerations for Assessment Levels in Australia
When applying to study in Australia, keep these points regarding different assessment levels in mind.
Individual providers or the department might even ask for documentation or refuse if the case is weak.
The evidence levels change periodically and can also get revised. Therefore, it is crucial to check the live document checklist tool before lodging.
The Australian student visa processing time depends on the ministerial direction priorities (MS111), capacity of the staff as well as the completeness of the visa application.
What should Indian Applicants do?
These are the steps that an Indian applicant should do amidst the changing assessment levels.
Verify: Use the document checklist tool for your passport, provider, and course and save the checklist.
Gather all the core documents: Collect all the necessary documents like passport, CoE, OSHC, transcripts, GTE, and evidence of funds/English (even if you don’t require this at the time of lodgement).
Target lodging as early as possible: Allow potential evidence requests and MD111 prioritisation.
Keep funds and English tests current: Tests and bank documents have validity windows, hence, ensure they are valid throughout the entire processing time.
Use the international student office of the university: They will help you with evidence at lodgement and interacting with Home Affairs.
Is IELTS required for Australia?
Yes, IELTS is still often required for a study visa in Australia. Even after Indian has moved from Level 3 to Level 2 assessment level, the burden of proof has reduced (you may be asked to submit IELTS score later), it is still important to meet the English language requirements for your university and subclass 500.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is every Indian student now exempt from showing funds or IELTS?
A:
No, every Indian student is not exempt from showing funds or IELTS. The assessment level change reduces the frequency of documentation required at lodgement, however, the department can ask for documents during processing. Use the document checklist tool to confirm.
Q: Does Level 2 mean faster grants?
A:
Level 2 means fewer document requirements during lodgement, resulting in faster visa processing. However, the processing time is also governed by MD111 prioritisation.
Q: What does moving from Level 3 to Level 2 mean for Indian students?
A:
It means that now, Indian students applying for Australian study visas will have to face fewer upfront documentary requirements. For many course/providers, they also don’t need certain documents at the time of lodgement, however, they may be asked for those documents later.
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