Australia Raises Student Visa Risk Level for Bangladesh

Australia has moved Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan into the highest-risk category under its student visa assessment system, tightening scrutiny of applications from these countries amid concerns over emerging integrity risks.

Under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework, the four countries have been reclassified to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk tier. The change took effect on 8 January 2026 and was introduced outside the regular review cycle, signalling heightened concern over visa compliance and documentation standards.

Australian authorities said the decision is intended to strengthen oversight while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking quality education opportunities. They stressed that maintaining the integrity of the international education system remains a key priority.

With the new classification, student visa applicants from Bangladesh and India will face more rigorous checks. These may include the submission of additional documents, manual verification of financial records such as bank statements, and closer scrutiny of English language proficiency. Visa officials may also directly contact educational institutions and personal referees.

Processing times are expected to increase, with applications likely to take between three and eight weeks, compared with shorter timelines under the previous risk level.

Although authorities did not cite specific country-based reasons for the reclassification, the move follows international concerns over fraudulent academic credentials and financial documents, particularly involving applicants from South Asia.

India accounts for a significant share of Australia’s international student population, while Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan together made up nearly one-third of total international enrolments in 2025, according to sector estimates.

Education sector analysts say changing global migration patterns have also influenced the decision. As student visa policies have tightened in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, Australia has increasingly emerged as a primary destination for international students.

Despite the tougher measures, Australian officials reiterated that the revised risk assessment is aimed at protecting the credibility of the student visa programme and ensuring a positive study experience, rather than discouraging genuine applicants from the affected countries.