What happened
Australia's Department of Home Affairs data shows that only 75.5% of primary student visa applicants were granted a visa in August 2026. ICEF Monitor reported on 1 October 2026 that this is the lowest monthly rate in more than 20 years of records, and the lowest since 2006/07.
India is among the markets hit hardest. Just 51% of Indian applicants applying from outside Australia got a visa in August 2026, down from 72% in August 2025. Nepal (13%) and Bangladesh (34%) fell even further, while Chinese applicants stayed at around 92%.
ICEF links the fall to the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which has applied to all applications lodged after 23 March 2024. Applicants must explain their circumstances, why they chose the course and provider, and how it will benefit them. A migration agent quoted by ABC News said refusal letters are often vague and that the outcome can depend on the case officer.
Australia also uses Evidence Levels, a three-step risk rating for countries and institutions. New ratings took effect on 30 September 2026. According to Times Higher Education, India is now rated high risk, which can mean more paperwork. On top of this, the visa application fee rose in July 2026 to AU$2,500 for most applicants, which ICEF calls the world's most expensive.
What it means for you
- An Australian student visa is now far from certain for Indian applicants: about half were approved in August 2026, so plan a backup country or intake.
- Your Genuine Student answers matter. Clearly explain your circumstances, why this course and provider, and how the course will help you, because officers judge this statement.
- Budget AU$2,500 for the visa application fee, and expect to provide more evidence now that India is rated high risk.
UNIFER data: Australia courses
Sources
- OfficialDepartment of Home Affairs: Student visa statistics
- OfficialDepartment of Home Affairs: Genuine Student requirement
- OfficialDepartment of Home Affairs: Ministerial Direction No. 106
- NewsABC News: Student visa refusal rate hits 10-year high
- OfficialDepartment of Home Affairs: Evidence Levels for student visas
- NewsTimes Higher Education: Australia ramps up immigration risk ratings
- Reported byICEF Monitor: Has Australia’s genuine student test gone too far? (1 October 2026). This story is based on their reporting; read the original for full detail.
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