6 reasons why Australia rejects student visa applications

Australia has adopted stricter regulations for international student enrollments, amid a surge in applications since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnam is now among the top six countries with the highest number of applications, rising from 18,700 in the 2022-2023 academic year to over 24,400 in the following year. However, the approval rate has decreased from 91% to 76%, the lowest in 18 years.

This decline in approval rates is part of a broader trend affecting most of the top 10 countries with the highest number of international students in Australia, according to Katherine Tranter, Senior Migration Officer in charge of student visas at the Australian Department of Home Affairs, speaking at the New South Wales Education Showcase Vietnam 2024 held in Ho Chi Minh City last week.

Katherine Tranter, Senior Migratoin Officer at the Australian Department of Home Affairs at the New South Wales Education Showcase Vietnam 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Sept. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Le Nguyen

Tranter outlined the six common reasons for student visa rejections by the Department of Home Affairs: incomplete documentation, failure to respond to requests for additional information, dishonest study intentions, document fraud, failure to meet English language proficiency requirements, and insufficient financial proof for study and living expenses.

"The most common reason is dishonest documentation. We will refuse an application if it lacks a genuine admission letter or if the documentation suggests that the applicant is not a genuine student," Tranter said.

Regarding finances, students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover three main needs: travel, tuition fees, and living expenses for themselves and any family members (if applicable). The minimum living cost for an international student is AUD$29,710 (US$20,090) per year. Providing proof of financial capability can expedite visa processing.

The Department of Home Affairs representative emphasized that the decline in visa approval rates is not related to the nationality of applicants. Visa issuance depends on individual cases. "All student visas are assessed according to specific criteria. There is no preferential treatment based on the city or country you come from," Tranter stated.

She also noted that the average processing time for student visa applications globally is 50 days, with a maximum of up to four months. This depends on factors such as the quality and completeness of the application, the process of providing additional information, and the volume of applications at that time.

During the study period, students must immediately notify the visa-issuing agency of any changes in passport status, marital status, contact information, or course details. Tranter emphasized that changing courses or schools should be limited, and if necessary, students must apply for a new visa.

To avoid disruptions to their study plans, she advised students to submit their applications as early as possible and to answer questions about their intentions and the purpose of attending the course honestly and in detail. For high school students, the Department of Home Affairs also considers the family's purpose. Students should thoroughly check all documents to ensure completeness before submitting their application for faster visa processing.

A student learns about Newcastle University, Australia at the New South Wales Education Showcase Vietnam 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Sept. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Le Nguyen

Australia remains one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in the world, along with the U.S. and Canada. As of April, the number of international students in Australia exceeded 780,000, a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. Vietnam ranks 5th, with over 37,100 students, marking an increase of 12,200.

In 2022, Australia introduced several open policies to attract workers following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the influx of foreign workers and students has increased pressure on the housing market, leading to tighter regulations on international students. Since February, the allowable stay for international students after graduation has been reduced to two to four years, two years less than before. Additionally, the English language requirement for admission has increased by 0.5 points to 6.0-6.5 IELTS, and the financial proof requirement has risen by 20%.

Furthermore, students must now take The Genuine Student Test to ensure the visa is used for educational purposes. Second-time visa applications to extend stays will be more closely monitored.