Australia rejects 40 % of Indian student visas as Evidence Level raised, graduate-visa fee doubles

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has quietly recast India as a higher-risk market for international education. Business Standard’s 13 April immigration report shows Indian applicants shifted from Evidence Level 2 to Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework, triggering tougher financial scrutiny and detailed proof-of-genuine-study intent. In February alone, 40 % of Indian applications were refused—triple the rejection rate in 2025. The clamp-down coincides with a doubling of the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fee to AUD 4,600 from 1 March, pushing the cost of a post-study two- to three-year stay to nearly ₹3 lakh. The Albanese government argues the changes restore integrity amid record net-migration, soaring rents and mounting political backlash; yet universities warn of a potential 15 % drop in mid-year Indian enrolments. Education consultants in Delhi and Hyderabad say offer holders are scrambling to find additional bank statements and may defer to Canada or the UK, where post-study fees remain far lower. Meanwhile, high-skilled employers that rely on Australian-trained Indian graduates fear a thinner talent pipeline just as critical-skills shortages bite. Indian companies sponsoring intra-company transferees to Australia should anticipate longer processing times and prepare for more extensive document requests. Analysts recommend budgeting extra lead-time and counselling assignees on alternative pathways such as Canada’s fast-tracked international graduate work permits.