Australia tightens student visas: 40% Indian applications rejected

Applications for Australian student visas are rising sharply, but so are rejection rates—especially for Indian students, who now face stricter scrutiny. Reported by Business Standard.

Foreign students applying to study in Australia are encountering record-high visa refusals, with around 40% of applicants from India being rejected. Authorities have tightened checks to ensure applicants genuinely intend to pursue education.

According to the latest data from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (updated in April), nearly one-third of higher education visa applications lodged overseas were refused in February.

The overall approval rate stood at 67.6%, marking the lowest monthly grant rate in at least 21 years. The previous low was 68.1% in September 2023, when applications surged after borders reopened post-Covid.

Rising Refusals Across South Asia

The tightening of visa rules is evident across several South Asian countries. In February, refusal rates were approximately:
• 36% from Bhutan
• 38% from Sri Lanka
• 40% from India
• 51% from Bangladesh
• 65% from Nepal

At the same time, the composition of applicants is shifting. Applications from China—historically a high-approval country—have dropped to their lowest level in 12 years, declining by 39% compared to February 2025.

Meanwhile, demand from South Asia has surged. Applications from India rose by 36% year-on-year, while Bangladesh and Nepal recorded increases of 51% and 91% respectively.

India Moves to High-Risk Category

Amid these changes, the Indian government recently informed the Rajya Sabha that Australia has placed India in the “highest-risk” category under its visa risk framework in January 2026.

This reclassification moves Indian applicants from Evidence Level 2 (EL2) to Evidence Level 3 (EL3) under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework. As a result, students now face stricter compliance requirements, more detailed scrutiny, and the need for additional supporting documents.

Despite this, India continues to be a major contributor to Australia’s international student population. In 2025, Indian students—along with those from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan—accounted for nearly one-third of the total, with around 140,000 Indian students among approximately 650,000 international students.

Is It Still Possible to Study in Australia?

While the new classification does not prevent Indian students from applying, it does make the process more rigorous and time-consuming.

Ankit Mehra, CEO and founder of GyanDhan, told Business Standard:

“Students with legitimate academic profiles and clean financial documentation have nothing to fear, only a longer wait,” said Mehra.

However, he cautioned against weak or fraudulent applications:

“Students relying on fabricated funds or dubious paperwork risk severe consequences, including visa refusal and long-term damage to their global education prospects,” said Mehra.

Overall, while opportunities remain open, Indian students must now navigate a more demanding and closely monitored visa process.