Indian students planning to study in Australia are now facing tougher rules.
The Australian government has made changes to its student visa system, and Indian applicants have been placed in a stricter category.
This means students will now need to submit more documents and face closer scrutiny during the visa process.
What Changed: From EL2 to EL3
Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), visa applicants are categorized based on risk.
Earlier, Indian students were in Evidence Level 2 (EL2), which meant fewer documents, relaxed English requirements, and simpler visa approvals.
Now, Indian students have been moved to Evidence Level 3 (EL3)—the highest risk category. This shift requires students to:
Provide detailed proof of finances for their studies
Submit more documents related to their course and university
Prove they are genuinely coming to Australia to study
In short, what was once a relatively straightforward visa process will now be more demanding and time-consuming for Indian students.
Government Response
The Indian government has officially acknowledged Australia’s decision.
While answering in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed that the new rules came into effect on January 8, 2026.
The change effectively restores the previous arrangements that were in place before September 2025.
Bottom Line
For Indian students planning to study in Australia in 2026, it’s important to prepare for more documentation and stricter checks.
The move may affect timelines and planning, making it crucial to stay updated with the latest visa requirements before applying.
