The Australian Government has introduced a new tiered system for Student Visa (subclass 500) applications, designed to streamline the process for international students. 

The revised framework adjusts the documentation required based on each country’s visa risk level, with major implications for applicants from around the world.

New Levels and Application Requirements

The updated system classifies countries into three distinct evidence levels, which determine the amount of documentation required from an applicant.

• Level 1 (Low Risk): Applicants from countries in this category will benefit from a more streamlined and faster visa process with reduced documentation requirements. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been upgraded to this level.
• Level 2 (Medium Risk): Students from these countries will be subject to moderate requirements. The application process will include a thorough review of an applicant’s financial capacity and academic background to ensure all criteria are met. Countries in this category include India, China, Nepal, Vietnam, and Bhutan.
• Level 3 (High Risk): This level involves a more comprehensive review to ensure all visa requirements are fully met. Applicants from these countries will provide extensive documentation for their visa submission. The countries in this category are Pakistan, the Philippines, and Fiji.

An Easier Path to Australian Education

Under the new system, Bangladesh has been upgraded to Level 1 (Low Risk). This classification offers a number of key advantages for Bangladeshi students applying for a visa.

• Streamlined Process: Applicants from Bangladesh will now experience a smoother and faster visa process.
• Reduced Documentation: The new status means fewer documents are required for a visa application, making the process less complicated.
• Clear Pathway: This change provides a transparent and accessible route for Bangladeshi students to pursue their academic goals in Australia.

eduaid’s CEO, Mr Kazi AHS Ahsan, said, “The upgrade of Bangladesh to Level 1 provides a clear, streamlined pathway for Bangladeshi students, making the dream of studying in Australia more accessible than ever before. We are ready to help them take that step forward.”

The Australian Government encourages all students to submit genuine documents and a clear statement of purpose to ensure a successful application.