The Australian Government has announced updates to the Student Visa (subclass 500) program for the 2026 academic year. These changes are designed to ensure the integrity of the international education sector.
Fee Increases
From July 2025, the base application charge for student visas has increased to AUD $2,000. This significant hike aims to fund further improvements in the visa processing system and support international student welfare programs.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A stricter policy regarding the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is now in effect. Applicants must provide a valid CoE at the time of application; conditional offers are no longer sufficient for visa lodgement in most cases.
Genuine Student (GS) Requirement
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement continues to be a rigorous test. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposed studies in Australia align with their career goals and previous education. Generic statements are leading to higher refusal rates.
We advise all prospective students, particularly from high-risk assessment levels, to seek professional advice before lodging their application.