Australia tightens student visa rules for Indian applicants

Australia has tightened student visa documentation norms for Indian applicants, raising the evidence requirement from Level 2 to Level 3 with effect from Jan 8, 2026, according to information shared in the Rajya Sabha.

The change restores verification standards that were in place before September 2025 and means increased scrutiny and additional paperwork for applicants. The update came in response to a query about India being classified among higher-risk countries for student visas.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed the revision in a written reply, stating, "From Jan 8, 2026, Australian authorities have revised the evidence requirement for Indian applicants from EL2 to EL3, effectively restoring the previous arrangements."

He highlighted that despite stricter norms, bilateral cooperation in education remains steady, including the establishment of Australian university campuses in India.

"The government remains committed to supporting Indian students in accessing higher education and research opportunities in Australia," Singh said, adding that efforts are ongoing to facilitate student mobility between the two countries.