India’s assessment level for Australian student visas has shifted from Level 3 to Level 2, signalling easier application requirements for Indian students seeking to study Down Under. While the Department of Home Affairs no longer publicly lists these levels, the change is reflected in the Document Checklist Tool used by universities and colleges.
The Department of Home Affairs updates combined country and education provider evidence levels twice a year to guide financial and English requirements for student visa applicants.
Key changes include reduced upfront financial evidence and course-dependent English test requirements. Gold Coast–based registered migration agent Seema Chauhan told The Australia Today that this is a positive update for Indian international students seeking high-quality education opportunities in Australia.
“This move means many Indian applicants will now face lighter documentation requirements, faster visa processing, and smoother admission procedures.”
Under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), both the applicant’s country and the education provider are assigned an evidence level from 1 (low risk) to 3 (high risk). Level 2, considered moderate risk, still requires some documentation but is a significant improvement over Level 3.
- Level 1 = lower risk – fewer extra requirements like proof of English or detailed financial documentation.
- Level 2 = moderate risk – more documentation might be required depending on country.
- Level 3 = higher risk – stricter evidence requirements and more scrutiny.
Recent updates in 2025 also include a reclassification of education providers based on visa refusal rates and compliance history, the replacement of the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement with the Genuine Student requirement, and caps on international student enrolments, making competition for places tougher.
Evidence levels are based on the provider’s performance over the preceding 12 months—ending 31 December for the March update, and 30 June for the September update—minimising disruption during enrolment and processing peaks.
With India now at Level 2 alongside countries like Bhutan, Vietnam, China, and Nepal, students and families can expect smoother admissions, fewer delays, and greater confidence in pursuing an Australian education.
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