From Visa To Work Rights: The Essentials For Indian Students Heading To Australia In 2025
— By Gaurav Batra
Every year, thousands of Indian students choose Australia as their study-abroad destination, attracted not only by its world-class universities but also by the enriching life experiences it offers. From part-time jobs and post-study work opportunities to global exposure, the student journey in Australia extends far beyond academics.
However, for Indian students planning to study in Australia in 2025, the visa landscape is changing. In this context, understanding the new regulations becomes essential to ensure a seamless academic journey.
Genuine Student Requirement Replaces GTE
The Australian government has introduced several regulatory changes to improve the integrity and clarity of the student visa framework. One of the key changes is the introduction of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion in March 2024.
The GS requirement places stronger emphasis on assessing whether a student genuinely intends to study and comply with visa conditions. This move aims to streamline the process and prioritise those who are committed to their academic goals.
CoE Requirement And Visa Fee Hike
Another important update is the mandatory submission of a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for visa subclass 500 applications, which now also applies to onshore applicants. The CoE acts as formal proof of admission and outlines details such as course duration and fees. Also, starting July 1, 2024, students had to pay a higher visa fee, which was revised to AUD 1,600 (Rs 87,000 approx).
In addition to these changes, the Australian government has issued Ministerial Direction 111 to prioritise the processing of offshore student visa applications with two priority categories: high priority and standard priority. Courses in industries, such as healthcare and engineering, may receive priority under this directive, and students opting for such programmes could benefit from faster visa approvals.
Reduced Age Limit For Temporary Graduate Visa
The maximum eligible age for Temporary Graduate visa applicants has now been reduced to 35 years. Exceptions exist for graduates of select master's and doctoral degrees. Additionally, starting July 1, 2024, holders of certain visa subclasses could no longer apply for a student visa while inside Australia. This restriction limited the ability to transition between visas onshore and makes it important for students to plan their academic and professional pathways more carefully.
Emphasis On English Proficiency
Australian universities have enhanced their English language requirements to ensure that international students are prepared for academic life. Effective March 23, 2024, the new requirements applied to both general student visas and ELICOS courses.
Students are now expected to demonstrate higher English proficiency, with an overall IELTS score of 6.0 being the minimum requirement in most cases. However, institutions such as the University of Sydney require a higher score of 6.5 overall, with no band score lower than 6.0.
Balancing Work, Study, And Finances
Financial preparedness is now a more prominent part of the visa process. Effective May 10, 2024, international students must furnish proof of having access to AUD 29,710 (Rs 16,27,000 approx). This shows that the student can cover his/her living expenses while studying in Australia.
The revision was introduced to ensure that students can support themselves throughout their academic tenure.
To ease the financial burden, students continue to have the right to work part-time. They can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during official university breaks. These work rights allow students to gain valuable local experience while managing day-to-day expenses.
What This Means For Offshore Indian Students
For Indian students planning to apply in 2025, the message is clear. Begin your preparations early, choose your course, and ensure that all necessary documentation is complete before submission. Thorough research into your chosen university, course structure, and financial planning is now more critical than ever.
In case a student visa application is refused, it is important to carefully review the reasons behind the decision. If possible, students may consider filing an appeal. Seeking guidance from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer can help clarify available options and assist in making informed next steps.
For Students Already In Australia
Students who are already in Australia also need to stay informed about the new regulations. The changes restricting onshore visa hopping could directly affect their future plans. Those on certain visa subclasses can no longer shift to a student visa while remaining in Australia.
Students who submitted their visa applications before these rules came into effect may not be impacted, but they should continue to monitor updates closely.
It is equally important to start thinking about life after graduation. Exploring pathways such as job opportunities, employer-sponsored visas, or further studies can help students map out a sustainable plan. University advisors and certified migration agents remain valuable resources for staying up to date and making informed decisions.
As Australia refines its student visa policies, Indian students must stay proactive and well-informed. While the changes bring new responsibilities, they also encourage more thoughtful academic planning and career exploration. With early preparation, clear goals, and the right guidance, students can unlock rewarding opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse learning environments. The path to Australia in 2025 may be evolving, but for those ready to embrace the journey, it remains as promising as ever.
(The author, Gaurav Batra, Founder & CEO Infinite Group.)
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.]
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