Great news for Indian students studying in Australia!

India’s New Student Visa Level Eases Path to Australian Education

India has officially been reclassified from Assessment Level 3 to Level 2 for student visas in Australia. This change simplifies the application process for Indian students aiming to study Down Under. Although the Department of Home Affairs no longer publishes these levels, the shift is reflected in the Document Checklist Tool used by educational institutions.

The Department reviews these levels semi-annually, helping applicants understand the financial and English language criteria required for their applications.

Positive Changes for Indian Students

Notable improvements with this change include reduced financial documentation and less strict English language test requirements. Seema Chauhan, a migration agent based in the Gold Coast, remarked, “This transition means lighter documentation for many Indian applicants, quicker visa processing, and a smoother admission experience.”

Under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), countries and universities are categorised from Level 1 to 3 based on risk. Level 2 indicates a moderate risk, requiring certain documentation but offering a significant ease compared to Level 3, which had stricter requirements.

• Level 1: Low risk – minimal documentation required.
• Level 2: Moderate risk – some documentation needed depending on the country.
• Level 3: High risk – more stringent evidence and scrutiny.

Keeping Up with Changes

In 2025, updates included a reclassification of educational providers based on their visa refusal rates and compliance history. The Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement has been replaced by the Genuine Student requirement, while caps have been introduced on international student enrolment, increasing competition for places.

The evidence levels reflect the past year’s performance of educational providers, aiming to reduce disruptions during peak enrolment periods. With India now at Level 2, alongside nations like Bhutan and Vietnam, students can anticipate a smoother application process, boosting their confidence in pursuing education in Australia.

Implications for Indian Students’ Migration Plans

This Level 2 change may lead to simpler applications and fewer documents, positively impacting visa options like the 482 visa—this visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers—and pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) for international students.

What do you think?

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