Australia has tightened its scrutiny of student visa applications from India.
According to Indian media reports, Australia has now categorized India under the “Highest Risk Category” for student visa applicants. This new classification, effective from January 8, 2026, has moved India from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF).
Reports indicate that this reclassification was made outside of the usual scheduling process. As a result, Indian students applying for Australian visas will face more rigorous checks on their financial status, academic background, and English proficiency.
Applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, and bank statements could be subject to immediate verification. Visa officers will also have the authority to directly contact educational institutions in India to verify the authenticity of students’ degrees.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, has highlighted the severity of the issue of fake academic credentials. According to Honeywood, a significant number of students who were denied entry to the U.S., UK, and Canada due to fraudulent educational documents were now turning to Australia as an alternative.
Reports from Indian media suggest that Indian police have already seized fake degrees worth over one billion rupees from fraudulent networks.
