Studying and working in Australia is about to get a mix of changes for international students
. The opposition party has proposed increased work hours, while the visa process is becoming stricter for certain countries, including India. Here’s a clear breakdown.
Proposed Increase in Work Hours
Australia’s Liberal-National Coalition has suggested raising the work hour limit for student visa holders during term time from 48 hours per fortnight to 60 hours per fortnight, starting 1 July 2026.
Key points of the proposal:
The increase would be ongoing for all eligible students.
Student visa intake may be reduced to 240,000 new visas per year.
About 63% of students currently work the maximum 48 hours, and it is expected that 90% of these students would fully utilize the new 60-hour limit.
Currently, students can work unlimited hours during holidays, while PhD or research master’s students have no work limits.
All students must earn at least the minimum wage, pay taxes, and receive a payslip.
Australian Student Visa Requirements
Before applying for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500):
Enroll in a course at an Australian education or training provider.
Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Apply for the student visa.
The subclass 500 visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (up to 5 years) and travel in and out of the country.
Stricter Visa Rules for Indian Students
Australia has recently tightened visa rules for Indian students, classifying India as a high-risk country.
From 8 January 2026, India moved from Evidence Level 2 (EL-2) to Evidence Level 3 (EL-3).
This means:
Mandatory proof of clean and traceable funds to cover tuition and living costs (currently AUD 29,710 per year).
Closer scrutiny of academic records, transcripts, and English proficiency.
A detailed assessment of intent to study, ensuring the application is genuinely education-focused.
Longer processing times and higher risk of rejection for incomplete or weak applications.
Higher Visa Fees
The visa fees have increased:
Base fee for subclass 500 (Student) and 590 (Student Guardian) visas: AUD 2,000 (up from AUD 1,600).
Additional applicant charges: AUD 1,225 for those over 18 and AUD 400 for those under 18.
If applying from within Australia, a subsequent temporary application charge (STAC) of AUD 700 may also apply.
What This Means for Students
Studying in Australia is becoming more regulated and expensive, especially for Indian students.
However, the proposed work hour increase could benefit those balancing part-time work with studies.
Before planning to study in Australia, make sure to:
Prepare financial documents carefully.
Understand the work and visa rules.
Factor in higher application fees.
With stricter rules and higher scrutiny, proper planning and compliance are essential for a smooth student visa experience.
