Why did the policy change?
By 2025, the Australian government will have a policy on international student visas, including: We're overhauling our entire immigration system.The surge in immigration and the resulting social burden " because.
As of 2023, Australia Annual net immigration number is 510,000 It reached an all-time high, surpassing .
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the number of international students is expected to increase by just one year from 2022. Increased by more than 30%,Concentrated in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.This has led to problems such as a housing shortage, skyrocketing rents, traffic congestion, and increased competition for jobs.
A particular problem that was pointed out was the ‘fake immigration route’ disguised as study abroad.The Australian government has set out a policy direction to retain only 'real students'.
In this way, the rapid increase in the number of immigrants is not simply a numerical problem, but is being recognized as a **serious structural problem affecting the entire Australian society**.
Introduction of a student cap
From 2025, Australia will We are officially introducing a ‘cap’ on the number of international students.It operates in a way that an annual quota is allocated to each university and educational institution.
That is, from now on No matter how good your grades and financial status are, if the school's international student quota is already full, admission and visa issuance may be restricted.
This limitation is not simply intended to reduce numbers,Attracting international students to high-quality educational institutions,
According to official data from the Australian Department of Education,The target number of international students from 2025 is approximately 260,000 to 270,000.It is also interpreted as a means to induce improvements in educational quality, graduate employment rates, and student support infrastructure.
👉 See the official announcement:
Also, the government The government is also considering providing more visa quotas to universities located in regional areas.
📌 **You can check which schools are subject to quota restrictions from the first half of 2025 on individual university websites or through the Ministry of the Interior notice**.Before going to college, you must check this!
Enhanced Student Visa Review Criteria
Rather than simply limiting the number of students,The student visa screening criteria itself will be strengthened across the board.
The biggest change is A shift to a “Genuine Student”-centered evaluation.
Additionally, the intensity of the review has been increased in the following areas:
Statement of Purpose: A more specific and authentic plan is needed than before.Education and Experience: Emphasize relevance to the major you applied forPast Visa History: Risk score assigned based on previous Australian visa historyApplicant's country-specific risk rating: Korea is still a low-risk country, but there are disadvantages if you fail to prove your funds.
Additionally, **the Ministry of the Interior is piloting an AI-based risk detection system**,Automatically identifying suspicious cases.
👉 View related information:
In other words, **the applicant's intention and direction must be consistently revealed as much as the completeness of the documents**,
Switching from GTE to GS
From 2025, one of the existing student visa screening criteria will be Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) The standard is abolished,GS(Genuine Student) A standard is introduced.
The existing GTE is “in Australia Temporarily It was evaluated based on the premise that “the applicant is a person who has entered the country for study and intends to return after graduation.”
Accordingly, GTE It has been reduced to a meaningless formal requirement,“Formal pun” There were also many situations where a level of academic plan was submitted.
GS, on the other hand, evaluates whether the student truly has the purpose and capacity for academic study.
Consistency with past education and career Specificity and Reality of Academic Goals The logic of career planning after graduation Proof of sufficient financial preparation and support
in other words, The focus of the visa has shifted from “temporary stay” to “authenticity of study.”It foreshadows a shift toward a focus on qualitative evaluation.
📌 Note: Now, rather than simply writing a long study plan,A logically connected story structure Must have.
Strengthening financial proof requirements
The items that have already been applied since the second half of 2024 and are scheduled to be operated more strictly from 2025 are: This is a requirement for financial proof.
Previously, some students A formal bank statement or There were many cases of visa applications being submitted with false proof of funds through short-term loans.We carefully review the applicant's source of funds, remittance history, and balance maintenance period.
As of 2024, the living expenses per student criteria are as follows:
Based on the student's own criteria: AUD 29,710 or more (based on 12 months living expenses)Accompanying spouse: Add 10,394 AUDPer accompanying child: Add 4,449 AUDAirfare: Proof of return flight ticket required (approximately AUD 2,000-2,500)
So, if a family of two applies for a visa together, Proof of balance of approximately AUD 42,000 or more is required.You must prove that the funds have been maintained consistently for the past 3 to 6 months.
In addition to your bank balance, Tuition fee payment receipt, Proof of sponsor's income (pay stub, etc.)Regular deposits, proof of investment income By submitting your documents comprehensively, you can increase your chances of visa approval.
📌 The Australian Department of Home Affairs states:Visa application by a student without financial ability is grounds for visa refusal " it states.
Who will be most affected?
This policy change affects all international students, but especially: The following types of applicants may be more affected:
Students aiming for non-accredited educational institutions (Private VET, etc.) If you don't have enough financial resources If you have a history of visa rejections in the past If your academic plan is vague or lacks relevance
On the other hand, the following applicants are relatively at an advantage:
Those planning to enter national or prestigious universities (e.g. Group of Eight universities) If your academic background and career are consistent with the major you are applying for If you have sufficient financial resources If your English score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) is stable
👉 If you are wondering whether you meet these criteria,concretize your study plan It is very important to do so.
2025 Study Abroad Preparation Checklist
Finally, the checklist below is in line with the visa policy changes starting in 2025. A systematic guide to help you prepare for studying abroad no see.
✅ Detailed Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Check whether the major you are applying for, your career, and your future plans are consistently connected
✅ Prepare financial supporting documents – Prepare balance, salary, sponsor information, etc. at least 3 to 6 months in advance
✅ Check your school student cap – Check if the educational institution you are applying to is affected by the student quota
✅ Obtain IELTS, TOEFL scores – Minimum IELTS 6.0 (6.5 or higher required depending on the course)
✅ Visa History Management – Organize past application history and eliminate risk factors
✍️ Once you’re ready, be sure to check the latest information on the Ministry of the Interior’s official website!Go directly to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs
Just follow this checklist Fully responsive to student visa policy changes in 2025 You can do it.
*Immigration Review in the AI Era: Changes Canadian and Australian Immigrants Must Know 2025 Article Go see
EN 
KO