The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) reported a significant drop in student visa approvals, with only 59% granted in March. Approximately 6,900 student visas were issued during this period. This figure marks a sharp decline from the over 73% approval rate consistently maintained for the past 20 years.
Experts suggest that an "underlying" policy may be behind this sudden decline.
Rejection rates vary significantly by region. China and key Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia recorded low rejection rates, ranging from 4% to 15%. In contrast, students from South Asia have been most impacted, with Nepal seeing only a 27% approval rate and India a 49% approval rate.
Education experts express confusion, finding this unusually high rejection rate difficult to understand. Phil Honeywood, Chief Executive Officer of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), speculated on the Times Higher Education news site that immigration officials might be applying "Direction 106", a policy from two years ago. This directive involves a "comprehensive financial assessment" to determine if applicants can cover living expenses for their entire study duration, rather than the initial core criterion of proving funds for only the first year.
Jon Chew, Director of Navitas Australia, highlighted that previous spikes in rejection rates were explained by the DHA as adjustments for students, agents, and schools. However, schools are currently uncertain about the specific criteria being applied.
Chew warned that this situation could undermine Australia's objective of attracting global talent.
He noted, "international students do not want a black mark on their record from an Australian visa rejection, as it affects their chances of applying for visas to the UK, Canada, and other countries".
For two years, Australia has steadily tightened student visa regulations. This initiative is part of Australia's broader plan to control immigration levels following a post-Covid-19 surge, which saw nearly 1.1 million international students in 2024.
Several measures have been implemented: post-graduation work stay periods were reduced from four to six years to two to three years; English language requirements were raised; and the required financial proof increased to 29,710 AUD (564 million dong), a 20% rise. The student visa application fee also climbed to 2,000 AUD, making it one of the highest globally.
In 2025, over one million international students arrived in Australia. Popular fields of study at the university level (bachelor's, master's, doctorate) include Management and Commerce, followed by Information Technology.
Doan Hung
