Australia Student Visa Updates 2025–2026: Key Changes Every International Student Must Know

Updates for international students

Australia has introduced several important updates to its student and post study work visas, shaping how international students plan their education and career pathways. Here are some of the key updates for 2025 and 2026:

Increased Financial Requirements: Students must show at least AUD 29,710 for annual living costs, up from 24,505.
New Visa Fee: The visa fee for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa has increased from AUD 1,600 to 2,000.
Genuine Student Requirement: The Genuine Student (GS) requirement has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test.
English Language Requirement: The minimum IELTS score requirement is now 6.0 overall, with specific requirements for different English language tests.
Work Rights: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
Post Study Work Rights: 2 years-Bachelors or Masters Coursework
- 3 year-Master’s Research or PhD
- Additional 1-2 years for study in a regional area
New Processing Rules: Offshore student visa applications are assessed using a new traffic-light priority model based on each university’s ability to manage its approved enrolment cap.

Processing & Caps

Traffic-Light Priority Model: Offshore applications are prioritized based on each university’s compliance with enrolment caps.
National Planning Level (NPL): For 2026, capped at 295,000 international students, an increase of 25,000 compared to 2025.
Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115): Introduced in November 2025 to guide processing priorities. Study Australia | Study Australia

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