Australia Restores India to Evidence Level 2 — But Raises the Visa Bar
Australia has officially upgraded India from Evidence Level 3 back to Evidence Level 2 for student visa applications, marking a positive shift in how Indian applicants are assessed. This move reflects India’s growing importance, with over 140,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia—making up around 17% of the international student population.
At face value, this upgrade suggests a more streamlined visa process with relatively reduced documentation compared to Level 3. However, alongside this positive change, Australia has introduced stricter rules to maintain visa integrity, making the process more competitive than before.
Key Changes Indian Students Must Know
1. Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Replaces GTE
The traditional Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement has now been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which involves:
- Deeper evaluation of study intent
- Stronger justification of course selection
- Clear long-term career alignment
👉 This means your SOP must be more detailed, authentic, and convincing.
2. Higher IELTS Score Requirements
Australia has increased English language score thresholds across many visa categories.
👉 Students now need:
- Stronger overall band scores
- Balanced performance in all modules
3. Increased Visa Fees
Student visa application costs have risen, adding to the overall financial burden for applicants.
4. Student Cap Increased to 295,000
Australia has introduced a national cap of 295,000 new international students, aiming to:
- Manage migration levels
- Maintain education quality
👉 This makes early application and university selection crucial.
5. MATES Scheme for Indian Students
A major opportunity comes in the form of the MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme):
- 3,000 spots annually
- Allows Indian graduates to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years
- No employer sponsorship required
What This Means for Indian Students
- Visa process is easier than Level 3—but stricter overall
- Strong documentation and genuine intent are now critical
- Competition is increasing due to capped intake
- Early preparation gives a major advantage
Expert Advice
Students planning for Australia in 2026 should focus on:
- Building a strong academic and financial profile
- Preparing a high-quality SOP (GS statement)
- Booking IELTS early with updated score targets