Australia reclassifies India in highest-risk tier for student visas, tightens scrutiny
Australia has moved India to the highest-risk category for student visas leading to stricter documentation and increased scrutiny. The move is in effect from January 8, 2026. As per the changes, applicants will now have to submit strong proof of finances and academic credentials amid concerns over fake degrees.
New Delhi: Australia has placed India in the highest-risk category for student visas. This move will make the application process stricter for Indian students planning to study in Australia. Under Australia’s student visa assessment system, countries are ranked from Assessment Level 1 (lowest risk) to Assessment Level 3 (highest risk). Along with other South Asian countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, India has now been moved from Level 2 to Level 3.
The new classification came into effect on January 8, 2026. This is a significant change as India is one of Australia’s largest sources of international students with nearly 140,000 Indian students enrolled out of a total of around 650,000 international students in the country.
What's the new classification mean for students
With India now in Assessment Level 3 (AL3), Indian students will face greater scrutiny when applying for Australian student visas. As per Australian authorities, the change is meant to address emerging integrity issues while still allowing genuine students to access quality education.
Under the new rules, students will need to submit more detailed documents, including stronger proof of financial capacity, English language proficiency and evidence that they genuinely intend to study and return after completing the course. Former senior immigration official Abul Rizvi explained that visa officers may go beyond paperwork such as calling universities to verify transcripts or contacting banks to confirm financial statements.
Australia’s Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, said the country remains an attractive option for students and described it as 'the least worst country of choice' among the major destinations which include the US, UK and Canada.
Fake degree concerns, uncertain future
One possible reason behind this is a recent fake degree scandal in India. Kerala Police uncovered a large racket that allegedly supplied fraudulent certificates to over 10 lakh people, some of whom were reportedly used for overseas education and jobs.
Australian Senator Malcolm Roberts accused the government of not acting strongly enough against this issue. He claimed that thousands of foreign students in Australia were found using purchased or fake degrees, particularly in sectors like aged care and early childhood education.
He stated, 'Police in India have allegedly seized 100,000 forged certificates from 22 universities, with 1 million-plus likely used for jobs abroad," Roberts wrote on X on January 6.
"I warned about this in August (and asked questions during October Estimates) - 23,000 foreign students in Australia were found with 'purchased' degrees, many in aged care and early childhood.'
However, for now, it is unclear whether India’s AL3 status is a temporary measure or a long-term policy shift.