What International Students Should Expect from Australia’s 2025 Visa and Financial Requirement Reforms

Are you planning to study in Australia in 2025? With new visa reforms affecting fees, financial requirements, and work rights, preparing early can save time, stress, and unexpected hurdles during your study journey. 

What is Australia’s Student Visa Reform 2025? 

Australia’s 2025 student visa reforms are a set of changes designed to ensure students meet financial and genuine study requirements while supporting safe work-study opportunities. Key updates include stricter financial capacity checks, expanded work rights, increased visa fees, and enhanced Genuine Student (GS) tests to confirm eligibility. 

Key Changes for International Students in 2025 

1. Australia Student Visa Changes 2025 

Student visas are undergoing updates to better align with education and labor market needs. These changes affect eligibility, financial capacity, work permissions, and overall visa application processing. 

Highlights: 

• Enhanced Genuine Student (GS) tests   

• Stricter financial requirement checks   

• Expanded work rights for part-time jobs during study   

2. Australia Student Visa Fee Increase 2025 

Visa application fees are set to rise in 2025. Students should budget accordingly and plan ahead to avoid delays. Higher fees reflect government efforts to streamline visa processing and maintain compliance standards. 

3. Australian Student Visa Financial Requirements 2025 

Financial capacity requirements are stricter, ensuring students can support tuition, living costs, and return travel. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds for: 

• Tuition fees for the entire study period   

• Accommodation and daily expenses   

• Health insurance coverage 

4. Expanded Australia Student Visa Work Rights 2025 

Students can now work more hours under certain conditions, offering opportunities to gain practical experience and support living expenses. These changes aim to help students transition smoothly from study to work. 

5. Enhanced Genuine Student (GS) and GTE Tests 

The Genuine Student (GS) test is being strengthened to differentiate genuine applicants from those seeking other visa benefits. The distinction between the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and GS criteria is now clearer, emphasizing: 

• Commitment to intended study program   

• Genuine intentions to return home after studies   

• Alignment with career or further education goals   

How Legacy Migration Can Help 

Navigating Australia’s student visa reforms can be overwhelming. Legacy Migration offers: 

• Expert guidance on meeting financial and GS requirements   

• Support with visa applications and fee planning   

• Advice on work rights and compliance for international students   

• Assistance in avoiding common visa application pitfalls 

Australia’s 2025 student visa reforms bring higher fees, stricter financial requirements, expanded work rights, and strengthened Genuine Student tests. Understanding these changes and seeking expert guidance ensures a smoother path to study and work opportunities in Australia. 

Planning to study in Australia? Book a consultation with Legacy Migration today and secure your student visa with confidence. 

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

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