Australia Tightens Student Visas for South Asian Nations

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has implemented a rigorous overhaul of its international student visa protocols, specifically targeting applicants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Citing grave concerns over the "deteriorating integrity of documentation," the Australian government has officially reclassified these South Asian nations into the highest risk category, effective from Thursday, 8 January 2026.

Shift to 'Evidence Level 3' Status

Under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), countries and educational institutions are assigned an "Evidence Level" (EL) based on risk metrics. These include visa refusal rates, cancellations, instances of students overstaying illegally, and subsequent protection visa applications.

Previously ranked at Evidence Level 2, the four South Asian nations—which accounted for nearly one-third of all international student enrolments in Australia last year—have now been downgraded to Evidence Level 3. This reclassification mandates that both the student and their chosen education provider must submit significantly more exhaustive documentation regarding financial capacity and academic history than was previously required.

The Catalyst: Document Fraud and Degree Scams

The decision was precipitated by a disturbing surge in fraudulent activity detected during the peak application window of November and December 2025. Home Affairs officials reported a record number of counterfeit bank guarantees and forged degree certificates. A pivotal factor in this policy shift was a recent major police operation in India, which resulted in the seizure of over 1,200 fraudulent undergraduate degrees, highlighting a systemic vulnerability in the application pipeline.

Table: Comparative Requirements Under New Evidence Level 3

Government Rationale and Global Context

A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Home Affairs emphasised that these measures are designed to safeguard the reputation of the country's tertiary education sector. "The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that all international students have a positive experience and receive a high-quality education. It is essential to have a robust visa framework so that genuine students can be certain they are investing in world-class learning," the official stated.

The policy change follows a strategic visit to India last month by Julian Hill, the Assistant Minister for International Education, who met with local home affairs officials to discuss regional migration integrity.

Implications for Prospective Students

According to VisaHQ, a Washington-based agency, applicants must now prepare for a much more intrusive screening process. Beyond financial statements, students may face increased scrutiny regarding their "Genuine Student" (GS) status. Furthermore, Australian institutions are expected to increase their internal auditing of South Asian applications to avoid being penalised by the Department of Home Affairs, which could see the institutions themselves downgraded if they admit non-compliant students.

While the new rules may lengthen processing times, the Australian government maintains that the door remains open for legitimate scholars who possess the requisite academic and financial credentials.