Australia’s international education sector has seen significant regulatory changes in 2025. Whether you’re a student planning to study in Australia or a consultant guiding students, these are the latest Australia student visa updates you must know in 2025:
1. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Mandatory – From January 1, 2025
All student visa applications must now include a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an Australian institution. Offer letters alone are no longer accepted for any type of visa application—onshore or offshore.
2. Visa Application Fee Increased
Effective July 1, 2024, the student visa application fee rose from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. A further hike is expected in July 2025, pushing the fee close to AUD 2,000, more than double the original cost.
3. “Genuine Student” Requirement Replaces GTE
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion is replaced by the new Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This focuses more on the student’s academic intent and future career goals, aiming to ensure they are genuine about studying—not just using education as a migration pathway.
4. Institutional Caps & Ministerial Direction 111
A proposal to cap international student intakes was scrapped, but Ministerial Direction 111 now slows down visa approvals for institutions that are close to or exceeding their enrollment capacity. Students applying to these colleges may face delays.
5. Work Rights Adjusted
International students can now work 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions and unlimited hours during official breaks. Proposals under review suggest undergraduates may be limited to 24 hours/week while postgraduate students could receive unlimited work rights.
6. Higher Financial Capacity Requirement
From July 1, 2025, students must show:
- AUD 29,710 for living expenses (up from AUD 24,505)
- One full year of tuition fees
- AUD 2,000 for travel
- Additional proof if you are bringing dependents (partner, children)
7. Stronger English Language Requirements
Australia raised English language thresholds. Now, most students must meet:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band)
- Or TOEFL iBT: 90+
Some providers may still accept IELTS 6.0, but stricter assessments are in place.
8. Crackdown on “Ghost Colleges”
To stop exploitation, the government has closed over 150 low-quality or fake institutions. Additionally, visa holders are no longer allowed to transfer to vocational courses within the first 6 months of study.
9. Age Limit & Onshore Conversion Ban
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is now capped for applicants aged 35 and under (was 50 earlier).
- Onshore conversions from tourist/visitor visas to student visas are no longer allowed.
10. Priority Processing for Critical Skills
Applications linked to high-demand industries such as healthcare, teaching, IT, and engineering now receive faster visa processing under Ministerial Direction 111.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Update for 2025 |
|---|---|
| CoE Requirement | Mandatory for all visa applicants (offer letter not valid) |
| Visa Fee | Increased to AUD 1,600 (Jul 2024), AUD 2,000 expected (Jul 2025) |
| Genuine Student Rule | Replaces old GTE criteria |
| Institutional Cap | Delays for oversubscribed colleges under Direction 111 |
| Work Hours | 48 hrs/fortnight; 24 hrs/week (UG) proposal |
| Financial Proof | AUD 29,710 + tuition + AUD 2,000 travel |
| English Test Requirement | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90+ |
| Ghost Colleges Closed | 150+ shut down; stricter transfer rules |
| Graduate Visa Age Cap | Now 35 years; no visitor-to-student visa switch |
| Priority Processing | STEM, healthcare, education fields fast-tracked |
