Key Takeaways:
- Holders of Visitor (600) or Temporary Graduate (485) visas cannot apply for student visas from within Australia.
- The student visa (Subclass 500) fee increased to AUD 2,000 from 1 July 2025.
- Minimum living expense requirement rose to AUD 29,710 to ensure financial stability for students.
- A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is now mandatory for all student visa applications.
- New English requirements apply, with IELTS 6.0 for student visas and 6.5 for Temporary Graduate visa.
Thinking about studying in Australia? The student visa rules for 2025 have changed, and these updates could affect how international students apply and prepare for their studies. From visa fees to eligibility and English requirements, being aware of the latest changes makes the process much easier. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Australian student visa new rules so you can plan your application smoothly and confidently.
Please Note: This article provides a general overview of the topic based on the latest information available at the time of publication. For advice specific to your situation, it’s best to consult a registered migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date guidance.
Key Updates in Australian Student Visa New Rules for 2025
The Australian government has introduced several important updates to its student visa programme for 2025. These updates affect application fees, eligibility, and requirements, ensuring the process supports genuine students while maintaining fairness and integrity.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Australian student visa new rules:
1. National Planning Level (NPL) Cap
Australia continues to welcome international students, with the National Planning Level (NPL) updated on 11 August 2025 for 2026 and set at 295,000, 25,000 higher than in 2025.
The NPL prioritises students across education levels, giving greater weight to research students and government-sponsored scholars, while vocational programmes are less affected, though some limits still apply.
This update ensures the student intake grows in a way that maintains high-quality learning experiences and fair visa processing, though closer scrutiny may extend processing times and increase competition for places at leading institutions.
2. Higher Application Fees
From 1 July 2025, the International Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee has increased to AUD 2,000.
- This increase helps cover administrative costs and student support services.
- Students should budget carefully to accommodate this change while planning their studies.
3. Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Requirement
Letters of Offer are no longer sufficient for visa applications. A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is now mandatory for both onshore and offshore applications.
- The CoE confirms full enrolment in a course, making it a critical step before visa processing.
- Students should secure their CoE soon after accepting offers and paying fees to avoid delays.
4. Restrictions on Onshore Applications
The updated rule for Visitor (Subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa holders aims to ensure genuine student applications by requiring them to apply from outside Australia. This change closes the option of switching to a student visa (visa hopping) while onshore, creating a clearer and more transparent process for aspiring international students.
If you’re planning to transition from studying to working in Australia later, use the Eligibility Checker to Sponsor Employees to see if your employer can sponsor you after graduation.
5. Enhanced Financial Requirements
International students now need to show access to at least AUD 29,710 (up from AUD 24,505) for one year’s living expenses. Introduced on 10 May 2024, this change aims to confirm that students can maintain a reasonable standard of living while studying in Australia, helping students manage their living costs while in Australia.
Updated minimum financial requirements for 2025 are:
| Applicant Type | After 10 May 2024 |
| Primary applicant | AUD 29,710 |
| Spouse/partner | AUD 10,394 |
| Dependent child | AUD 4,449 |
| Annual school costs | AUD 13,502 |
| Personal annual income (no family) | AUD 87,856 |
| Personal annual income (with family) | AUD 102,500 |
6. Updated English Language Proficiency
For Student Visa (Subclass 500) applicants, the minimum IELTS score has increased from 5.5 to 6.0, while students undertaking university foundation or pathway programmes require a minimum of 5.5. For packaged ELICOS courses, the minimum IELTS score rises from 4.5 to 5.0. Students studying only through ELICOS remain unaffected.
For Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) applicants, the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, listening). Additionally, English test results must be within 1 year of the visa application, reduced from the previous 3-year validity.
Accepted English tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced, ensuring applicants meet the language standards needed to succeed in Australia.
Also Read: Age Limit Requirements for Student Visa in Australia 2025
7. Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111)
MD111 is a new directive to prioritise and expedite offshore student visa applications.
- Applications are classified as High Priority (including school, research, TAFE, and government-sponsored students) or Standard Priority (other higher education and vocational courses).
- Early applications benefit from faster processing, encouraging students to apply as soon as possible.
8. Post-Study Work Opportunities
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) continues to offer two streams:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream for vocational graduates
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates
Additionally, the 4-year Skills in Demand Visa pathway allows employers to hire skilled workers when local talent is unavailable. Age limit is 35 years, with updated regional incentives for extended stay.
Also Read: 485 Visa Processing Time: Latest Updates 2025
9. Reinstatement of TOEFL iBT
As of 5 May 2024, the TOEFL iBT is once again accepted for student visa applications. This provides students with additional options to meet English language requirements.
TOEFL iBT is widely available and popular in many regions, making it easier for students from different backgrounds to meet Australia’s language requirements.
10. Changes to Temporary Graduate Visa Conditions
The Temporary Graduate visa has seen duration reductions and a new maximum age cap. Only applicants under 35 are eligible, except for Master’s (research) and doctoral graduates, who may apply until age 50.
This change intends to streamline post-study work opportunities, offering a more targeted path for graduates with advanced degrees.
11. Introduction of the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)
The Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) replaces the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule. It evaluates whether applicants are genuinely coming to Australia to study and ensures they have clear academic or career goals aligned with their chosen course.
Under the GSR, students must demonstrate why they want to study in Australia and how their course supports their future plans. It also considers personal circumstances to confirm that applicants are committed to studying rather than using a student visa as a pathway to long-term residency.
Applicants may need to provide supporting documents, such as a statement of purpose, financial proof, and previous academic records, to confirm their genuine intention to study in Australia.
Also Read: Australian Visa Rejections Due to Medical Reasons: Key Insights
Australian Student Visa 2025: Affected and Unaffected Holders
The new 2025 student visa regulations affect certain visa holders more directly than others. Let’s see who is impacted by these changes and who remains unaffected.
1. Affected Visa Holders
The 2025 student visa changes mainly affect onshore applicants, especially those on Visitor (Subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visas.
- Under the updated rules, these visa holders are now generally restricted from applying for a student visa while in Australia, a measure introduced in July 2024 to curb “visa hopping.”
- In addition, from 1 January 2025, all onshore applicants must also provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) instead of a Letter of Offer when submitting their student visa application.
Applicants must also meet stricter financial and language requirements. From 10 May 2024, the minimum financial capacity was raised to AUD 29,710, and from 7 August 2025, the English language requirement will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
These measures are designed to ensure that students are genuinely committed to their studies and have the necessary resources and skills to succeed in Australia.
Also Read: 485 Visa Processing Time: Latest Updates 2025
2. Unaffected Visa Holders
Some visa holders are not affected by these changes and can continue following the same process as before.
- Working Holiday (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa holders are still allowed to apply for a student visa while in Australia.
- Offshore applicants are also unaffected by the CoE requirement, which only applies to onshore applications.
It’s also important to note that student visa applications submitted before 1 January 2025 are being processed under the old rules. These applicants can still use a Letter of Offer instead of a CoE, ensuring continuity for those who applied before the new requirements took effect.
These updates clarify which visa holders must follow the new 2025 rules and which can continue with the earlier process, helping students plan their applications more effectively.
Next, let’s explore why these changes were implemented and what they aim to achieve.
Reasons Behind the Australian Student Visa Regulation Changes
The 2025 student visa updates were introduced as part of a broader strategy to ensure that international students applying to Australia are genuinely committed to their studies and meet the country’s academic and migration standards.
1. Preventing Permanent Temporariness
The new rules aim to stop individuals from extending their stay indefinitely by switching between visa types. Certain applicants are now required to apply from outside Australia, ensuring a clearer pathway for genuine temporary stays.
2. Supporting Genuine Students
These updates prioritise students who are genuinely interested in studying. Applicants must meet updated financial, English language, and eligibility requirements. Evidence of clear academic or career goals is expected, demonstrating that the chosen course aligns with their future plans.
3. Strengthening the Visa System
By enforcing stricter standards, the government protects the integrity of the student visa programme. This reduces unnecessary visa extensions and maintains a fair process for all applicants while preserving Australia’s position as a preferred study destination.
4. Preparing Students for Success
Applicants are encouraged to provide supporting documents, such as a statement of purpose, proof of funds, and previous academic records, to confirm their genuine intention to study in Australia. Understanding these changes helps students plan ahead, meet requirements confidently, and make the most of their study experience.
By understanding these reasons, applicants can better prepare and confidently approach the new visa requirements.
Final Thoughts
Managing the 2025 Australian student visa changes is more than just ticking boxes; it’s about understanding new rules, meeting updated requirements, and preparing your application strategically. For students, the stakes are high, as these updates directly affect your study plans, work opportunities, and post-study pathways.
At Knowbal Migration and Education, we make this process simple. We help you understand exactly what’s required, identify any gaps, and guide you step by step to a successful application. Reach out today and see how Knowbal can help you confidently secure your Australian study visa.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum IELTS for 2025 student visas?
For Subclass 500, the minimum IELTS is 6.0, while Subclass 485 applicants need 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each section. Accepted tests also include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced.
2. Is Confirmation of Enrolment mandatory?
Yes, a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is now required for all student visa applications, both onshore and offshore, to confirm full enrolment in your chosen course.
3. What is the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR)?
The GSR ensures applicants are genuinely coming to Australia to study. You must show your course aligns with your career goals and provide supporting documents like a statement of purpose, finances, and past academic records.
4. Has the Temporary Graduate visa age limit changed?
Yes, the general age limit is now 35. However, research Masters and PhD graduates can apply up to 50. This ensures targeted post-study work opportunities for skilled graduates.
5. Are TOEFL iBT scores accepted for student visas?
Yes, TOEFL iBT is accepted again alongside IELTS, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced, giving students more flexibility to meet English language requirements.
