December 16, 2025
Table of Contents
- Overview of Study in Australia in 2026
- Student Visa Backlogs and Processing Delays
- Ministerial Direction 115 Explained
- Three-Tier Priority Processing System
- Compliance Risk and University Selection
- Visa Fees and Student Incentives
- Impact on Indian Students
- How Jupiter Consultants Helps You
- FAQs
Overview of Study in Australia in 2026
For students planning to study in Australia, the 2026 academic cycle comes with significant visa-related changes. While Australia continues to welcome genuine international students, the visa system has become more structured, priority-driven, and compliance-focused.
Understanding these changes early is essential for smooth admission and visa outcomes.
Student Visa Backlogs and Processing Delays
Australia’s Administrative Appeals Tribunal is currently dealing with nearly 50,000 pending student visa appeal cases. This backlog has developed due to a sharp rise in applications and stricter checks on student genuineness and compliance.
As a result, some students are experiencing delays and uncertainty, particularly those applying late or with weak documentation.
Ministerial Direction 115 Explained
From mid-November 2025, Australia introduced Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115), replacing earlier processing rules. This direction determines how offshore student visa applications are queued and assessed.
MD 115 focuses on prioritising genuine students while managing visa volumes more effectively.
Three-Tier Priority Processing System
Under MD 115, student visas are processed using a three-tier priority system:
- High priority: School students, ELICOS courses, postgraduate research
- Medium priority: Providers operating within student allocation limits
- Standard priority: Providers exceeding enrolment thresholds
Some applicants may receive decisions in 1–4 weeks, while others may wait longer depending on their priority band.
Compliance Risk and University Selection
Australia now evaluates visa applications based on the compliance history of education providers. Universities and colleges with strong records are processed faster, while high-risk institutions may face slower outcomes.
This makes provider selection a critical factor for students planning to study in Australia.
Visa Fees and Student Incentives
Student visa fees increased from July 2025, raising the overall cost of applying. Despite this, some universities are offering incentives to attract quality students.
For example, the University of Sydney International Student Award offers up to 20% tuition support for eligible international students.
Additionally, Australia updated its English language test acceptance rules from August 2025.
Impact on Indian Students
Stricter global visa evaluations have slowed overseas student mobility. Many Indian students are now planning earlier, choosing safer institutions, and preparing stronger financial documentation.
Education loans and intake timelines are also being reviewed more cautiously.
How Jupiter Consultants Helps You
Jupiter Consultants helps students confidently study in Australia by aligning course choices with MD 115 priorities, selecting low-risk institutions, and preparing strong visa documentation.
From counselling and university selection to visa filing and post-offer support, Jupiter ensures your application meets the latest compliance and processing standards.
FAQs
1. Why are Australian student visas delayed?
Due to appeal backlogs and stricter compliance checks.
2. What is MD 115?
A new visa processing priority rule effective from November 2025.
3. Can visas still be approved quickly?
Yes, high-priority cases may be processed faster.
4. Does university choice affect visa speed?
Yes, provider compliance plays a major role.
5. Have visa fees increased?
Yes, fees increased from July 2025.
6. Are scholarships still available?
Yes, many universities offer tuition support.
7. How can Jupiter Consultants help?
By guiding students through updated visa strategies.