On 30 October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs opened a consultation on two possible changes to Student visas: an update to Ministerial Direction 106, which guides the Genuine Student assessment, and a stronger framework for proving financial capacity. It is also asking about an interim measure for applicants from Evidence Level 3 countries. No decisions have been made, so the current rules still apply. Submissions close at 12:00 pm AEDT on Monday 23 November 2026.
What Home Affairs Is Asking About
The Department has released a discussion paper on the Genuine Student requirement and the financial capacity framework for Student visas (subclass 500). It covers two areas:
- The Genuine Student assessment. Possible updates to Ministerial Direction 106, which tells officers what to consider when deciding whether you genuinely intend to study.
- Proof of funds. Ways to strengthen how students show they can pay for tuition, travel and living costs. These rules are currently set in a legislative instrument.
The paper also asks about a possible interim measure: stronger financial evidence for primary applicants from Evidence Level 3 countries while longer-term rules are worked out. The Department says no decisions have been made.
The Options Being Discussed
According to reporting on the discussion paper by The PIE News, the Department sets out four example models for proof of funds. In the first three, you would hold money in an eligible Australian bank account in your own name before you apply:
| Model | What it would involve |
|---|---|
| 1 | 50% of tuition and living costs for the whole course, held for at least one month and released on a set schedule |
| 2 | The same amount held for three months, without compulsory limits on access |
| 3 | 100% of first-year tuition and living costs, held for three months, with managed payments for some groups |
| 4 | A controlled pathway for recognised education finance, such as approved loans and scholarships, alone or combined with your own funds |
The PIE News also reports that, under all four models, you would show evidence of funds when you apply, whatever your education provider’s rating. The Department would check where the money came from, who owns it and whether you can access it. The models would not raise the amount you need to show, and money earned from working in Australia would not count towards tuition and living costs. The Government has also mentioned a New Zealand-style deposit system as a longer-term option.
These are options for discussion, not new rules.
Why This Is Happening
Speaking in Sydney on 30 October, Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill said he wants grant rates to improve and more certainty for students, “even if this means raising the financial standards and a smaller pool of prospective students”. ABC News reported that more than 24% of student visa applicants were refused last financial year, with refusal rates higher in parts of South Asia. Officials are developing new financial standards for South Asia and a replacement for Direction 106, and universities and education agents are to be consulted in November.
The Government has also warned against an “overcorrection” that puts off genuine students, so the final settings may change after the consultation.
What to Do If You Are Planning to Study in Australia
- Current rules still applyIf you are ready to apply, you apply under today’s rules. Whether you need to show documents for your funds still depends on the evidence level of your country and your education provider.
- Build a clear funds trail nowEvery option points the same way: money in your own name, held over time, from a source you can explain. Start keeping bank statements and records of where your funds came from.
- Write your own Genuine Student answersReported changes aim to rely less on template statements. Explain your study plans in your own words, with evidence that supports them.
- Have your sayThe Department is taking written submissions by email at student.visa.consultation@homeaffairs.gov.au until 12:00 pm AEDT on Monday 23 November 2026.
- Check before you lodgeVisa rules can change quickly. Get advice on your own situation before you pay fees or lodge.
We will update this page when the Government announces its decision.
Not sure how this affects you? Talk to our registered migration agent about your situation.
Book a consultationChecked against official sources on 2 November 2026. Sources: Home Affairs: Consultation on proposed reforms to the Genuine Student requirement and financial capacity framework · Home Affairs: Ministerial Direction 106 · ABC News (30 October 2026): Labor warns against “overcorrection” on student visas · The PIE News (30 October 2026): Australia consults on student visa overhaul
This update is general information, not legal advice. Migration law changes often, so check the official sources or speak to a registered migration agent before you make decisions.