2025 Rules Update for Australian Visa Processing
If you are applying for an Australian visa in 2025, please note that the Australian government periodically updates visa application fees. As of January 2025, the application fee for the Student visa (subclass 500) is AUD 1,600. Additionally, the rejection rates for student visa applications have reached historically high levels in the first four months of this year. To stay informed about the most recent changes in 2025, please stay tuned with us.
Applying for the Visa
Starting January 1, 2025, all Australian student visa applications must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), replacing Letters of Offer. The CoE is a critical document that confirms a student’s acceptance into an Australian educational institution and requires upfront tuition payments. Applications submitted without a CoE will be deemed invalid, leading to severe consequences such as the inability to obtain a Bridging Visa.
Visa Pricing
As mentioned earlier, the application fee for the Student visa (subclass 500) has increased to AUD 1,600 as of January 2025. These new charges apply to all intakes from this date forward. According to official statements from the Australian Government, this rise reflects the growing worth of education in Australia and its dedication to restoring integrity in the international education sector.
Fee Updates for Accompanying Dependents
The fees for accompanying applicants have also increased. The fee for accompanying applicants aged 18 and over is now AUD 1,445, and for accompanying family members under 18 years old, it is AUD 390. This change is part of the Australian government’s strategy to restructure the country’s international education system.
Minimum Fund Requirement
The Australian government has increased the minimum funds requirement for international students applying for an Australian study visa. As of May 10, 2024, applicants must show funds of at least AUD 29,710, a 21% increase from the previous amount of AUD 24,505, to be eligible for a student visa.
English Language Requirement
As part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, the English language requirements for the Student visa (subclass 500) have been increased. For IELTS, the minimum test scores have risen from 5.5 bands to 6.0 (or equivalent). Additionally, the TOEFL iBT has been reinstated after May 5, 2024, for Australian visas and migration purposes.
Genuine Student Requirement
On March 23, 2024, the Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This is a thorough examination designed to demonstrate that applicants genuinely intend to study in Australia. It requires detailed information about the applicants, including explanations for choosing a specific course and educational institution, and the benefits to them. Applicants are encouraged to provide any other relevant information they believe is important to their application.
Temporary Graduate Visa Update 2024
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has undergone significant changes. The age limit has decreased from 50 to 35 years, and the minimum IELTS score requirement has increased from 6.0 to 6.5. Additionally, the length of stay for international graduates has been reduced:
- Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees: 2 years
- Master’s by Research & PhD: 3 years
Notably, master’s (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates are eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa up to the age of 50.
Overall, through Migration Program planning, it is estimated that the Australian Government is trying to reduce net overseas migration from 528,000 in 2022–23 to 260,000 in 2024–25. For more information, please visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
