Keep abreast with changes to the Evidence Level and the most recent trends in student visa applications. Find out about revisions, new policies, and advice for recruiting real students.

Compared to prior years, the number of student visa applications for the first quarter of 2024–25 is declining. 112,605 visa applications have been submitted as of this writing, which is 28% fewer than during the same time in 2023–2024. Additionally, the number of applications has decreased from 99,868 to 112,605 in comparison to 2018–19.

Positive indications are, nevertheless, coming from several offshore markets, where the caliber of visa applications seems to be rising and the rejection rate is declining. Despite this, the adoption of the Genuine Student test and the deployment of integrity safeguards have increased the rejection rates of older applications that are processed onshore.

Pause and Resumption of Evidence Level Updates

The Department of Home Affairs announced on October 3, 2024, that the September 2024 Evidence Level update would be temporarily paused in response to these developments. Following more discussion, the government has given the Department permission to release an update on November 20, 2024, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. AEDT. This update will reward providers who show greater performance while making small changes to support legitimate providers. It is based on immigration statistics from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.

Key Changes in the November 2024 Evidence Level Update

1. Evidence Level Improvements: Education providers will be promoted to higher levels if they demonstrate an improvement in their Evidence Level rating.

2. Declining Evidence Levels: Providers that see a drop in their ratings will be modified appropriately, with the exception of those in the public vocational education, higher education, and school sectors, who will stay at their existing Evidence Level. We shall keep a careful eye on these industries.

Regular changes to the Evidence Level are expected to resume in March 2025. The Department will keep an eye on educational providers in the interim and might recommend additional temporary changes if it notices any improper hiring practices.

Support for Genuine Students

The goal of the Department of Home Affairs is to assist educational institutions in attracting real students. The Department has increased communication with the education sector and recently conducted a workshop on recruiting “genuine students,” which has generated a lot of interest, in addition to the Evidence Level update.

To guarantee prompt processing for the start of the academic year, providers are strongly encouraged to submit applications that are of the highest caliber and prepared for decision-making.

About Evidence Levels

Evidence Levels are reviewed and updated twice a year, in March and September, by the Department of Home Affairs. These figures show how frequently students of particular providers experience unfavorable immigration outcomes, including visa cancellations or denials, as a result of fraud. The Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), which establishes financial and English competency standards for student visa applicants, is guided in large part by the Evidence Levels.

In order to preserve the integrity of Australia’s student visa scheme, educational providers are essential. Maintaining the standing of Australia’s foreign education industry depends on the program having a high degree of integrity. It is the duty of all parties involved—providers, governmental organizations, agents, and students—to maintain these standards.