Student Visa Trends for 2024-25: Key Updates and What’s Ahead

Student visa applications for the first quarter of 2024-25 are showing a decline compared to previous years. As of this period, 112,605 visa applications have been lodged, a 28% decrease from the same period in 2023-24. When compared to 2018-19, the number of applications has also dropped, from 99,868 to 112,605.

However, there are positive signs emerging from certain offshore markets, where the quality of visa applications appears to be improving, with lower refusal rates. Despite this, as older applications are processed onshore, refusal rates have risen due to the implementation of integrity measures and the introduction of the Genuine Student test.

Pause and Resumption of Evidence Level Updates

In light of these developments, the Department of Home Affairs issued a notice on October 3, 2024, announcing the temporary pause of the September 2024 Evidence Level update. After further deliberation, the government has authorized the Department to proceed with an update on November 20, 2024, between 9 am and 12 pm AEDT. This update, based on immigration data from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, will reward providers demonstrating improved performance while making minor adjustments to support genuine providers.

Key Changes in the November 2024 Evidence Level Update

• Improvements in Evidence Levels: Education providers that have shown an improvement in their Evidence Level rating will be elevated to higher levels.
• Worsening Evidence Levels: Providers with a decline in their ratings will be adjusted accordingly, except for those in higher education, schools, and public vocational education sectors, who will remain at their current Evidence Level. These sectors will continue to be closely monitored.

It is anticipated that routine Evidence Level updates will resume in March 2025. In the meantime, the Department will monitor educational providers and may suggest further interim adjustments if any inappropriate recruitment behavior is detected.

Support for Genuine Students

The Department of Home Affairs is committed to supporting education providers in recruiting genuine students. In addition to the Evidence Level update, the Department has expanded communication with the education sector and recently held a workshop on recruiting "genuine students," which has seen considerable interest.

Providers are strongly encouraged to submit high-quality, decision-ready applications to ensure timely processing for the start of the academic year.

About Evidence Levels

The Department of Home Affairs reviews and updates Evidence Levels twice a year, in March and September. These levels reflect the rate of adverse immigration outcomes, such as visa cancellations or refusals, due to fraud among students of specific providers. Evidence Levels are an important tool for guiding the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), which sets financial and English proficiency requirements for student visa applicants.

Educational providers play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Australia’s student visa program. A high level of integrity in the program is essential for preserving the reputation of Australia’s international education sector. All stakeholders—including providers, government agencies, agents, and students—share the responsibility of upholding these standards.