Australia has long been a top choice for international students, thanks to its top-tier universities, high quality of life, and post-study work opportunities. But in 2025, significant changes to student visa rules are coming into effect—and they could affect thousands of prospective students. These reforms include raised English language requirements, revised work-hour rules, and the replacement of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test with a new “Genuine Student” (GS) assessment.

Understanding these changes is critical for anyone applying for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa. In this blog, we break down exactly what the new rules are, why they were introduced, and how students can best prepare for them.

1. The New Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the shift from the old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion to a new Genuine Student (GS) test.

• What Changed: Instead of writing a 300-word personal statement (as was common under GTE), students will now answer targeted questions about their intentions, course choice, and their background.

• Why It Matters: The GS test is designed to better assess whether a prospective student is genuinely coming to Australia to study, rather than using education as a pathway to migrate.

• What the Department Looks At: According to the Department of Home Affairs, the GS evaluation considers factors such as the student’s circumstances, immigration history, academic progression, and how the proposed course fits into their longer-term plans.

• When It Applies: The GS requirement applies to applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

2. Tougher English Language Requirements

Another major pillar of the 2025 visa reforms concerns English proficiency. The Australian government has raised the minimum required scores for Student and Temporary Graduate visas.

Key changes include:

• For the Student Visa (Subclass 500), the minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score has risen from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0.

• For ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses), the required IELTS score has also increased (e.g., from 4.5 to 5.0 in some cases).

• For the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), the English requirement has gone from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent).

• In addition, some test validity rules have been tightened.

These changes are intended to ensure students have sufficient English proficiency to succeed academically and to contribute meaningfully in their studies.

3. Revised Financial Requirements

While not part of your requested three, it's worth mentioning that financial capacity requirements have also been increased. Prospective students now need to show more funds are available to cover living costs, tuition, and travel.

• The minimum living cost requirement has gone up to AUD 29,710.

• This change came into effect in May 2024, so students applying in 2025 need to prepare accordingly.

4. Work-Hour Limits: Tighter but Clearer

Another big reform involves student work rights. Previously, there was more ambiguity and some temporary relaxations (especially during COVID). But now the rules are more clearly defined.

• From 1 October 2025, students on a Subclass 500 visa can officially work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their study periods.

• During official course breaks (like semester breaks), the cap is removed — students may work unlimited hours.

• There is also a proposal (as of 2025) to increase the cap from 48 to 60 hours per fortnight starting 1 July 2026, though this is not yet law.

These stricter work-hour limits are meant to ensure students remain focused on their studies, rather than relying too heavily on part-time work.

5. Why These Changes Were Introduced

Understanding the “why” helps students make sense of these stricter rules. Several reasons are driving these reforms:

1. Quality Control & Integrity: The move to the GS requirement ensures that those applying for student visas are genuinely interested in study, not just using it as a migration route.

2. Student Welfare: By raising English proficiency standards, the government may be trying to ensure international students are academically prepared and better able to integrate.

3. Regulating Work Dependence: Capping work hours more clearly helps prevent scenarios where students overwork, which could interfere with their academic commitments.

4. Financial Viability: Increasing the financial proof requirement protects students from financial hardship and reduces the risk that they will be unable to support themselves.

5. Policy & Migration Strategy: These reforms are part of a broader migration strategy.

6. Risks for Students Who Don’t Comply

These changes also carry risks for students who don’t fully understand them.

• Visa Refusal: Incorrect or weak answers in the GS questionnaire may lead to visa refusal if intentions are not convincingly demonstrated.

• Work Violation: Working beyond the 48-hour fortnightly cap can lead to visa cancellation. Indeed, there are reported cases where students working too much had visa issues.

• Application Delay or Rejection: If English test scores or financial proof are not up to the new threshold, applications may be delayed or refused.

• Misaligned Study Plans: Students who do not clearly articulate why they chose a course, or how it fits with their background and career goals, may fail the GS test.

7. Tips to Navigate the New Rules Successfully

If you’re planning to apply for a student visa under these new rules, here are some practical tips:

1. Prepare for GS Questions Thoughtfully: Think deeply about why you want to study in Australia, how the course connects to your prior education or work, and what your future plans are.

2. Take the Right English Test: Choose a test accepted by Home Affairs (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) and make sure to hit the new score thresholds.

3. Secure Your Funds Early: Ensure you have the required bank statements showing the required minimum funds (e.g., AUD 29,710) for at least three months before applying.

4. Watch Your Work Hours: Track your work carefully. Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to check and comply with your work limit, especially during study time.

5. Get Professional Advice: Use migration agents, registered education providers, or trusted consultants to guide you through the application process, especially for the GS test.

6. Stay Updated: Policy changes can happen. Keep an eye on updates from the Department of Home Affairs or trusted migration-education advisors.

8. The Bigger Picture: What It Means for International Students

These reforms send a clear message: Australia is tightening its student visa policy to prioritize genuine students. While it may become harder to secure a visa, those who do are more likely to be serious about education, financially stable, and academically ready.

For education providers, this could mean a shift toward quality over quantity. For prospective students, it’s a chance to present a stronger case for their study plans and prove genuine commitment.

Conclusion

The 2025 reforms to the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) are significant. With higher English requirements, stricter work-hour rules, and a revamped GS test replacing the GTE, the government is reshaping how international students are assessed and managed.

If you are applying for a visa now, it’s more important than ever to prepare thoroughly. Understanding these changes, planning your finances, studying for the right English test, and making a compelling case in your GS application will all go a long way to improving your chances.

Despite the stricter rules, Australia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students. With the right preparation, you can still successfully navigate the new landscape—and take full advantage of the opportunities that studying in Australia offers.