The Department of Home Affairs is seeking views on potential reforms to strengthen the Genuine Student requirement and financial capacity framework for Student visa applicants.
International education makes an important contribution to Australia’s economy, communities, research capability and international relationships. The Student visa program supports access to Australian education while providing assurance that applicants are coming to Australia temporarily to study and are appropriately prepared for the academic and financial commitments involved.
On 30 October 2026, Assistant Minister for International Education and Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill
outlined the Government’s ongoing work to strengthen the integrity of the Student visa program, emphasising the importance of attracting genuine students seeking a high-quality Australian education and maintaining a strong focus on integrity and the student experience.
Building on this work, the department is seeking views on whether the Genuine Student requirement sets clear expectations for applicants and education providers, and whether the financial capacity framework provides sufficient assurance that students have genuine and sustainable access to funds for tuition and living costs.
The consultation covers two areas:
The department is also seeking feedback on a possible interim measure to strengthen financial evidence requirements for primary applicants from Evidence Level 3 countries while longer-term reforms are considered.
No decisions have been made on the proposals outlined in the discussion paper.
Feedback received through this consultation will inform advice to Government on whether reforms should proceed and, if so, their scope, sequencing and detailed design.
Consultation paper
The proposed reforms and options are outlined in the consultation paper,
Strengthening the Genuine Student requirement and financial capacity framework.
The department welcomes written submissions on any or all of the issues raised in the consultation paper.
Making a submission
Submissions should include, where relevant:
- the name of the individual or organisation making the submission
- contact details
- the sector, student cohort or area of expertise represented
- responses to relevant consultation questions
Submissions close: 12:00 pm AEDT, Monday 23 November 2026. Submissions received after this deadline may not be considered.
Email: student.visa.consultation@homeaffairs.gov.au
Email subject:Student Visa Consultation – sector/organisation
Consultation webinar
The department will also host a webinar for key stakeholders during the consultation period. Further details will be announced at a later stage.
Publication, privacy and confidentiality
The department will not publish submissions received through this consultation on its website. Personal contact details will not be published.
