Australia Study Visa Update 2026: New Rules & Fees
Australia Study Visa Update 2025–2026: Everything You Need to Know
If you are planning to study in Australia, the landscape has shifted dramatically in the last 12 months. As an SEO and migration expert with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen countless policy changes, but the latest australia study visa update for 2025–2026 is one of the most significant yet.
From a new 295,000 international student cap to stricter “genuine student” tests and rising fees, the Australian Government is tightening its borders to ensure quality and integrity. But don’t let this discourage you. With the right guidance from A Square Migration, these changes can actually work in your favor by filtering out non-genuine competition and streamlining the process for committed students like you.
In this comprehensive guide, I will break down every critical update—fees, English tests, financial proof, and processing priorities—so you can navigate your australia study visa application with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Australia Study Visa Update 2026: The 295,000 Cap & MD 115
- Australia Study Visa Cost Hike: New Fees from July 2025
- English Test Shake-Up: 3 New Tests Accepted
- Financial Requirements: The AUD 29,710 Benchmark
- Onshore Application Bans: End of “Visa Hopping”
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: The New GTE
- Work Rights & Conditions for 2026
- Why Choose A Square Migration?
- Conclusion
1. Australia Study Visa Update 2026: The 295,000 Cap & MD 115
The biggest headline in the australia study visa update is the introduction of a National Planning Level (NPL). For the 2026 academic year, the Australian Government has set a cap of 295,000 new international student commencements.
What This Cap Means for You
This cap is designed to manage migration levels sustainably. It allocates approximately 145,000 places to universities and 30,000 to vocational (VET) providers. However, there is good news: * Exemptions: School students, postgraduate research students (Master’s by Research & PhD), standalone ELICOS, and government scholarship recipients are exempt from this cap. * Opportunity: If you are a high-achieving student targeting a university degree, spots are still available, but competition is higher.
Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115)
Effective from 14 November 2025, the new Ministerial Direction 115 replaces the old processing rules. It introduces a 3-tier priority system for offshore applications:
- Priority 1 (Fastest): Applications for schools, postgraduate research, and education providers with a strong track record (low visa refusal rates) and who have not exceeded their allocation.
- Priority 2 (Standard): Standard higher education and VET providers operating within their caps (80–115% usage).
- Priority 3 (Slowest): Providers who have exceeded their international student caps. These applications will face significant delays.
Expert Tip: At A Square Migration, we help you choose “Priority 1” institutions to ensure your study visa au application flies through the queue.
2. Australia Study Visa Cost Hike: New Fees from July 2025
Budgeting is a crucial part of your study abroad journey. As of 1 July 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has increased the visa application charges (VAC) to fund migration integrity measures.
New Fee Structure (2025–2026)
- Primary Applicant (Subclass 500): AUD 2,000 (previously AUD 1,600).
- Secondary Applicant (18+ years): ~AUD 1,190.
- Secondary Applicant (Under 18 years): ~AUD 390.
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: AUD 700 (applies if you apply for your second visa while onshore).
This increase makes the australia study visa one of the most expensive in the world. It’s vital to get your application right the first time to avoid losing this significant fee.
“A refused visa isn’t just a lost dream; it’s a lost AUD 2,000. Precision in your application is non-negotiable.” — Anisha Gupta, Principal Agent, A Square Migration
3. English Test Shake-Up: 3 New Tests Accepted
In a positive move for accessibility, the australia study visa update has expanded the list of accepted English language tests. Effective from 7 August 2025, you have more options to prove your proficiency.
newly Accepted Tests:
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
Standard Accepted Tests:
- IELTS (One Skill Retake is also accepted)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT (Note: Enhanced score requirement of 67 for Student Visas)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET (Occupational English Test) for health professionals.
Critical Note: Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 must meet the new score requirements mandated by the government. Online versions of these tests (like TOEFL Home Edition) are generally not accepted for visa purposes.
4. Financial Requirements: The AUD 29,710 Benchmark
To ensure students can support themselves without financial stress, the minimum funds requirement was raised in May 2024 and remains the benchmark for 2025–2026 applications. You must demonstrate genuine access to these funds.
Minimum Funds Required (Per Year):
- Primary Applicant: AUD 29,710
- Spouse/Partner: AUD 10,394
- Dependent Child: AUD 4,449
- School Costs: AUD 13,502 (if you have school-aged children)
Genuine Access is Key
It is not enough to just show the money in a bank account. You must prove “Genuine Access”: * Relationship: If parents are sponsoring, prove the relationship. * History: Funds should be held for a specific period (often 3 months) or be from a legitimate education loan. * Income Source: Evidence of employment or business income to support the savings.
Need help calculating your exact financial proof? Contact A Square Migration for a personalized assessment.
5. Onshore Application Bans: End of “Visa Hopping”
The government is cracking down on “visa hopping”—the practice of repeatedly switching visas to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Key Restrictions (Effective 1 July 2024):
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Holders: You can no longer apply for a Student Visa while onshore in Australia. You must leave the country and apply from offshore.
- Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Holders: You are also barred from applying for a Student Visa onshore. This prevents graduates from shifting back to student visas just to extend their stay.
Mandatory CoE for Onshore Applicants (Jan 2025)
If you are eligible to apply onshore (e.g., you are on a dependent visa or an existing student visa), you must hold a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application. * Old Rule: You could apply with a “Letter of Offer” and provide the CoE later. * New Rule: No CoE = Invalid Application. Your application will not even be processed.
6. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: The New GTE
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement is gone. It has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which is more targeted and evidence-based.
What is the GS Requirement?
Instead of a generic 300-word essay, you must now answer specific questions in the online visa form (max 150 words per answer). These questions focus on: 1. Your Ties: Family, community, and employment ties to your home country. 2. Course Value: How this specific course assists your future career. 3. Immigration History: Details of previous visas for Australia or other countries.
Expert Advice: This is where many DIY applications fail. Generic answers like “I love Australia’s beaches” will lead to refusal. Your answers must be specific, researched, and logical. At A Square Migration, we craft GS profiles that align perfectly with Department expectations.
7. Work Rights & Conditions for 2026
For many students, the ability to work is a major drawcard. The work conditions for the study visa au remain balanced to prioritize education while allowing for living support.
- During Semesters: You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. This helps you focus on your studies while earning an income.
- During Breaks: You have unlimited work rights during official school holidays.
- Masters by Research & PhD: You have unlimited work rights continuously.
Warning: The Department strictly monitors the 48-hour cap. Breaching this condition (Condition 8105) can lead to visa cancellation.
8. Why Choose A Square Migration?
With policies changing every few months, you need a partner who doesn’t just fill forms but understands the strategy behind a successful application.
The A Square Migration Advantage:
- Led by Experts: Our team is led by Anisha Gupta (MARN 0954994), a registered migration agent with over 22 years of industry experience.
- High Success Rate: We specialize in high-risk markets and complex cases, leveraging our “Level 2” assessment knowledge for Indian applicants.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. We provide a clear cost breakdown upfront.
- End-to-End Support: From selecting a “Priority 1” university to crafting your GS statement and lodging your visa, we handle it all.
- Offices in Sydney & India: We are accessible where you need us—whether you are in Chandigarh or Wentworthville.
Start Your Assessment Today
Conclusion
The australia study visa update for 2025–2026 sets a new standard for quality. While fees are higher and rules are stricter, the pathway to a world-class education in Australia remains open for genuine, well-prepared students.
Don’t let a small error derail your dreams. With the 295,000 cap and Priority Processing rules, timing and accuracy are everything. Trust the experts who have been doing this for two decades.
Ready to apply? Contact A Square Migration today to secure your place in Australia’s 2026 intake. Let us make your migration journey simple, successful, and stress-free.