New Australia Student Visa Rules 2025 – Study in Australia for Indian Students

Australia welcomed over 780,000 international students in 2023, and that number grew by another 18% in 2024. With this growing demand, the Australian government has introduced key changes to the Subclass 500 Australia Student Visa process starting in 2025. These updates aim to make sure that only genuine students get visas and that the process stays fair and efficient. In this blog by Top study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad- Angel EduNext, explains the latest changes and how you can stay ahead in the process.
Let’s break it down further.

What’s new for Indian Students going to Australia in 2025?

Starting from 2025, Indian students applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) will face some new requirements. These include needing better scores on English tests, providing stricter proof of funds, and obtaining a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before submitting their application. The visa fee has also increased to AUD 2,000, and an enrolment cap has been put in place to help manage the rising number of international students. These updates are designed to make the visa process smoother and ensure that only genuine students are granted entry. Let’s take a quick look at what these changes mean.

1. Mandatory Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Starting January 1, 2025, anyone applying for a student visa in Australia will need to include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when they submit their application. Before this change, applicants could show a Letter of Offer to prove they had a place in the course. However, a Letter of Offer was less official and didn’t confirm that the student was enrolled. The education provider will issue the CoE after the student has met all course requirements and paid the necessary fees. The CoE is solid proof that the student is enrolled and eligible. This update helps make sure that only genuine students get a student visa for Australia.

2. Updated English Language Proficiency Requirements:

In 2024, the Australian government raised the English language requirements for students applying for visas. To match what Australian schools expect academically, students now need to hit higher language standards. The minimum accepted IELTS score has gone from 5.5 to 6.0. For Subclass 485, a band level of 6.5 is required.

Note that the accepted test formats are IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, and CAE, having respective validity periods for Australia student visa requirements.

3. Enhanced Financial Proof Requirements

Effective May 10, 2024, the financial requirements for Australia student visa applications have been updated. Applicants must now show proof of adequate funds to cover the following:

• Living expenses: AUD 24,505 per year for the student
  
  
• Dependent expenses: AUD 7,860 annually for the first dependent, and AUD 3,240 for each additional dependent
  
  
• Schooling costs: AUD 8,000 per year for each school-aged child accompanying the student
  
  
• Travel expenses: Around AUD 2,000 to cover return airfare

These updated figures aim to ensure that students and their families can support themselves comfortably while studying in Australia.

4. Revised Student Visa Fees

Starting July 1, 2025, the Australian student visa (Subclass 500) fee increased from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, marking a significant cost increase for international students.

National Planning Level (NPL) Cap

Starting January 1, 2025, the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Ministry has introduced a National Planning Level (NPL) cap, limiting the number of international student arrivals to 270,000 for the year. This is a sharp reduction compared to previous years and is expected to bring stricter scrutiny to student visa applications. However, this cap is not applied uniformly; priority will be given to higher education sectors, such as research programs and government-sponsored students, while vocational training programs may face tighter restrictions, with limited exemptions.

These added measures, combined with existing protocols, are likely to lead to longer visa processing times and increased competition for admission into top Australian universities. Indian students planning to study in Australia should prepare early and apply strategically to stay ahead.

Conclusion

While the new rules for 2025 bring in more structure and stricter checks, they don’t close the door for genuine students. With the right preparation and expert guidance by Angel EduNext - the best study abroad consultants in Ahmedabad, Indian students can still successfully study in Australia and make the most of its world-class education system. Understanding the changes early and planning your visa journey with trusted support can make all the difference.

How Angel Edunext can help Indian Students to Study in Australia

At Angel EduNext, we know that planning to study in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially with changing visa rules and rising costs. But no matter how complicated the Australian student visa process may seem, with the right guidance, it becomes manageable and stress-free. We work closely with top government-funded universities, offering affordable, high-quality courses that are globally recognised. From choosing the right program to preparing a strong visa application, our team is here to support you at every step.

Contact Angel EduNext today