Big Changes for International Students: Australia Introduces Stricter Visa Rules from 2025

Australia is rolling out major changes to its student visa process that will affect thousands of international students, especially those from India.

Starting January 2025, students must have their school enrollment confirmed before they can apply for a visa within Australia.

What’s Changing?

The Australian government is replacing the old “Letter of Offer” system with a stricter requirement: students must now have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when applying for their visa. This change aims to make sure students are serious about their studies and helps protect Australia’s reputation for quality education.

Key Points for Students:

• The new rule starts January 1, 2025
• Without a CoE, visa applications will be rejected
• Bridge visas won’t be available without a CoE
• The change affects applications made inside Australia only
• Student visa fees have increased from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600

Impact on International Students

This change particularly affects students who are already in Australia and planning to extend their stay or switch courses. The government is also looking to crack down on “visa hopping” – where people switch between different types of visas to stay in the country longer.

What Students Need to Do

If you’re planning to study in Australia or extend your current student visa, you should:

1. Get your CoE before applying for a visa
2. Plan ahead to avoid gaps in your visa status
3. Be prepared for the higher visa fees
4. Submit your application well in advance

Some exceptions exist – foreign affairs, defense, and secondary exchange students can still use other documents to prove their enrollment.

These changes aims at maintaining Australia’s high standards in its international education sector while ensuring genuine students have clear pathways to study in the country.

Recommended for you