PR & Visa Pathways

2025-2026 Visa Changes: What Students Need to Know

Key immigration policy changes affecting international students — updated work hour limits, genuine student test, and new visa requirements.

Published 2026-01-15 · Updated 2026-02-14 · 10 min read

The Australian government has made significant changes to student visa rules. Here's what's new and how it affects you.

Major Changes in 2025-2026

Genuine Student Test (GST)

The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced with the Genuine Student (GS) test. Key differences:

  • Focus on your genuine intention to study in Australia
  • Must demonstrate why you chose your specific course and provider
  • Evidence of how the course relates to your career goals
  • Financial capacity to support yourself

Work Hour Limits

  • 48 hours per fortnight remains the standard limit during study periods
  • Unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
  • Stricter enforcement and monitoring by employers

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for student visas — up from 5.5
  • IELTS 6.5 for 485 Graduate Visa — up from 6.0
  • PTE, TOEFL, and Cambridge still accepted

Financial Requirements

  • Living cost threshold increased to $29,710/year (up from $24,505)
  • Must demonstrate genuine access to funds
  • Savings evidence more closely scrutinized

Graduate Visa (485) Changes

Duration Changes

  • Some 485 visa durations have been reduced
  • Bachelor's degree: 2 years (unchanged)
  • Master's by coursework: 2 years (reduced from 3)
  • Master's by research: 3 years
  • PhD: 4 years (unchanged)

Age Limit

  • Age limit of 50 for 485 visa applications
  • Was previously no age limit for some streams

What This Means for Your Planning

If You're Currently Studying

  • Your current visa is unaffected
  • Plan ahead for 485 application changes
  • Focus on English scores — higher thresholds mean earlier preparation
  • Build genuine work experience in your field

If You're Planning to Study

  • Budget for higher living cost requirements
  • Choose courses strategically aligned with career goals
  • Research the Genuine Student test requirements
  • Consider regional study for additional benefits

If You're on a 485 Visa

  • Check if your PR pathway is affected
  • State nomination criteria may have changed
  • Skills assessment requirements remain important

Key Takeaways

  1. Start English prep early — higher score requirements
  2. Save more — financial thresholds have increased
  3. Be strategic — course choice matters more than ever
  4. Stay informed — check Home Affairs regularly
  5. Get professional advice — consult a registered migration agent

Immigration law changes frequently. This guide reflects changes as of early 2026. Always verify with the official Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent.