Is Your Country High Risk? How Australia’s New Risk Assessment Impacts You!
In a significant move to enhance the integrity of its international education sector, Australia recently updated its Student Visa Risk Framework, altering the classification of educational institutions and countries based on their perceived risk levels. This update, effective from November 2024, aims to ensure that only genuine students with strong financial capacity and genuine academic intentions can pursue studies in the country, aligning with Australia’s commitment to quality education and economic contribution. Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates and their implications so that you can easily understand what is happening and how it can affect you.
In a significant move to enhance the integrity of its international education sector, Australia recently updated its Student Visa Risk Framework, altering the classification of educational institutions and countries based on their perceived risk levels. This update, effective from November 2024, aims to ensure that only genuine students with strong financial capacity and genuine academic intentions can pursue studies in the country, aligning with Australia’s commitment to quality education and economic contribution. Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates and their implications so that you can easily understand what is happening and how it can affect you.
What Are the Risk Levels in Australia’s Student Visa System?
The risk assessment model categorises educational institutions and countries into Levels ranging from 1 to 3. This evaluation is part of the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) whose primary goal was to streamline the student visa application process, making it easier for genuine students to apply and for the government to manage visa integrity efficiently.
But, How Do Risk Levels Work?
Under the SSVF, each education provider and country is assigned an Evidence Level based on past student visa outcomes. These levels determine the evidence required for financial capacity and English proficiency during the visa application process:
- Evidence Level 1 (Low Risk): Applicants do not need to provide additional financial or English language evidence unless requested. Most commonly associated with top-tier universities or institutions with strong quality records.
- Evidence Level 2 (Moderate Risk): Moderate requirements, often requiring some additional documentation. Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency and financial capability.
- Evidence Level 3 (High Risk): Applicants must submit comprehensive mandatory documentation, including detailed proof of finances and higher English proficiency standards.
How Often Does the SSVF Change?
The SSVF is reviewed regularly, typically annually or biannually, to ensure it reflects current compliance trends. Updates are based on:
- Data from visa holders, such as rates of visa breaches, course non-completion, or unlawful work activities.
- Performance of educational providers, including their history of supporting students in maintaining visa compliance.
The most recent adjustment just happened in November 2024.
What it does mean for International Students?
These changes mean that students must carefully select their education provider based on its risk level and ensure they meet the revised financial and English language requirements.
For prospective students, these changes mean that selecting a low-risk education provider is now more crucial than ever. Applicants from Level 3 institutions or countries will need to ensure their documentation is comprehensive, especially in terms of financial and language evidence. The increased IELTS requirements underscore the importance of strong English language skills in academic success, while the higher financial capacity reveals Australia’s expectation that students can independently fund their education and living expenses.
What are the new Levels for countries where Australia Study operates?:
| Country | Risk Assessment Level 2024 |
| Argentina | 1 |
| Brazil | 1 |
| Chile | 1 |
| Finland | 1 |
| France | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Indonesia | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| Japan | 1 |
| Mexico | 1 |
| Norway | 1 |
| Poland | 1 |
| Spain | 1 |
| Sweden | 1 |
| United States | 1 |
| Thailand | 2 |
| Colombia | 3 |
| Peru | 3 |
| Ecuador | 3 |
How to show Financial Capacity if I am requested to:
If you are required to provide evidence of your financial capacity, you must attach evidence with your visa application. If you don’t provide this evidence, the officer may refuse your application without asking you for more information.
There are options to prove you have enough money for your stay. These can include evidence of:
- Deposits of money from a financial institution
- A government loan or loans from a financial institution
- Scholarships or similar financial support
At a minimum, you must have enough money to pay for:
- 12 months of living costs for you and any family members who come with you to Australia (or pro rata fees, if you are staying less than 12 months). Here is the breakdown:
Student Main Applicant – AUD29,710
Partners coming with you – AUD10,394
A child coming with you – AUD4,449
- Your travel:
AUD2,500 for travel costs if you are applying from East or Southern Africa
AUD3,000 for travel costs if you are applying from West Africa
AUD2,000 for travel costs if you are applying from anywhere else outside Australia
- 12 months of your course fees (or pro rata fees, if your course is less than 12 months)
Use the first 12 months of your course fees. If your course is 12 months or less, use the total cost. Deduct any costs you have already paid.
TIP:
Use the following information to work out how much money you need for the visa. To calculate pro rata costs, divide the annual cost by 365 and multiply the result by the number of days you intend to stay in Australia.
