Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Program Changes Announced

International Student Data for April 2025 Released by Department of Education

The Department of Education has published new data on international student enrolments as of April 2025. The report provides updated statistics on student numbers, commencements, and trends across Australia’s education sector. The data release is part of regular reporting by the Department of Education, available on education.gov.au, and covers higher education, vocational education and training (VET), schools, and English language programs.

The April 2025 report shows a 13 percent decrease in new international student commencements compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of enrolled international students in Australia, across all sectors, is now lower than in previous years. Most students are enrolled in higher education courses, particularly bachelor and master degrees. The data also highlights changes in the top source countries for new enrolments, with some countries experiencing larger declines than others.

This update affects prospective international students, current students, education institutions, and agents. The decrease in commencements may influence course availability, campus operations, and support services for international students. Institutions may adjust their marketing and recruitment strategies based on these trends. Current students may see changes in class sizes or available resources.

The report is available on the official education.gov.au website. It provides detailed enrolment numbers, sector breakdowns, and trends by country of origin. The Department of Education uses this data to inform policy and planning for international education in Australia.

This information is current as of July 2025 and reflects the latest official statistics. The data assists education providers, government agencies, and migration advisors in understanding the international student landscape in Australia.

This article is based on official data published by the Department of Education at education.gov.au.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not offer legal or migration advice. Please contact a registered migration agent or education advisor for personal guidance.

Skills in Demand Visa Now Open, Replacing the TSS Visa

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the new Skills in Demand Visa is now open for applications. This visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as subclass 482. The change is part of the Australian Government’s migration reform package and aims to better match skilled workers with labor market needs.

The Skills in Demand Visa is designed for skilled workers in occupations that are in shortage in Australia. The new visa streamlines the application process and introduces different pathways based on skill level and occupation. The visa allows for temporary residence and work rights in Australia, with options for permanent residency for eligible applicants.

Current holders of the TSS visa and new skilled worker applicants are affected by these changes. Employers must use the new Skills in Demand Visa program for future sponsorships. Existing TSS visa holders can apply for the new visa if they meet the requirements.

The Department of Home Affairs published this update on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The change is effective from July 2025, and all new applications must use the Skills in Demand Visa pathway.

This article is based on information from the Department of Home Affairs. Please consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.

Work and Holiday Visa Ballot Open for China, India, and Vietnam

The Department of Home Affairs has opened the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) ballot for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam. The ballot system manages demand for these visas and ensures a fair process. The Work and Holiday Visa allows eligible young people to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.

Applicants from China, India, and Vietnam must enter the ballot for a chance to apply for the visa. The number of places is limited and determined by annual country quotas. Successful ballot participants will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

This update is relevant for young adults from the specified countries who wish to experience work and travel in Australia. The opening and closing dates for the ballot are published on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Applicants should check the official website for eligibility criteria and deadlines.

This article is based on information from the Department of Home Affairs. It is for general informational purposes only.

New Onshore Student Visa Restrictions Effective July 2025

The Department of Home Affairs has announced new restrictions on onshore student visa applications. From July 2025, certain temporary visa holders in Australia, including visitor visa and graduate visa holders, will not be eligible to apply for a student visa from within Australia. This policy is known as the onshore student visa application ban.

The restriction is part of the Australian Government’s migration strategy to ensure visa integrity and manage migration flows. The ban applies to visitor visa holders (subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate visa holders (subclass 485), among others. These applicants must now apply for a student visa from outside Australia.

International students and temporary residents planning to change their visa status should review these new requirements. The change affects future applications and may impact study plans, travel arrangements, and visa processing times.

The Department of Home Affairs published this update on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The restriction takes effect from July 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please seek advice from a registered migration agent for your specific situation.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Program Changes Announced

The Department of Home Affairs has announced changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) program. The changes are part of broader migration reforms and aim to align the graduate visa with Australia’s skills needs and labor market demands.

Key changes include new English language requirements, shorter post-study work rights, and revised eligibility criteria for graduates. The update affects new applications from July 2025 and impacts international students completing higher education and vocational qualifications.

The changes are intended to strengthen the value of the graduate visa and support pathways to skilled employment and permanent residency. Graduates should review the new requirements before applying for the visa.

Further details are published on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The changes are effective from July 2025.

This article is based on information from the Department of Home Affairs. It is for general informational purposes only.

Multi-Year Migration Planning Model Introduced from 2025–26

The Australian Government has introduced a multi-year migration planning model, starting from the 2025–26 program year. This model was announced by the Minister for Home Affairs and is detailed on minister.homeaffairs.gov.au and immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

The new model allows for migration planning over several years, rather than annual targets. It aims to provide more certainty for migrants, employers, and education providers. The model takes into account labor market trends, demographic needs, and economic forecasts.

The change affects future skilled and family migration programs, including pathways relevant to international students and graduates. The government will regularly review and update the planning model to respond to changing needs.

This article is based on official announcements from the Department of Home Affairs. It is for informational purposes only.

Visitor and Graduate Visa Holders Barred from Onshore Student Visa Applications

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that holders of visitor visas and Temporary Graduate visas are now barred from applying for student visas while in Australia. This measure is part of the government’s efforts to prevent “visa hopping,” which is the practice of moving between visa types to extend stay in Australia without meeting the original visa’s purpose.

From July 2025, affected visa holders must leave Australia before applying for a new student visa. This policy applies to subclass 600 (visitor) and subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa holders. The update aims to strengthen the integrity of the migration system and ensure that student visas are used for genuine study purposes.

International students and graduates should plan their visa applications carefully under the new rules. The change may affect timelines for study commencement and travel planning.

The update is published on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. It is effective from July 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice for your individual circumstances.

Australia’s Migration Strategy Expands Visa Integrity Reforms

The Australian Government has expanded its migration strategy with new visa integrity reforms. These reforms are designed to address misuse of temporary visas and improve the quality of Australia’s migration programs. The strategy is outlined in government documents available on minister.homeaffairs.gov.au and immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Key reforms include stricter eligibility checks, enhanced monitoring of education providers, and new compliance measures for student and graduate visa holders. The reforms support genuine study and skilled migration pathways, while preventing misuse of the visa system.

International students, education providers, and migration agents should be aware of the expanded compliance requirements. The changes may affect visa processing times and documentation requirements for future applications.

This article is based on information from the Department of Home Affairs. Please consult official sources for the latest updates.

Education Department Confirms Commencements Down 13% in 2025

The Department of Education has confirmed that international student commencements in Australia have declined by 13 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. The data is based on enrolment statistics published on education.gov.au and reflects trends across higher education, VET, schools, and English language programs.

The decrease in commencements affects universities, colleges, and other education providers. The trend may impact course offerings, campus operations, and support services for international students. The Department of Education continues to monitor enrolment patterns and works with institutions to support student outcomes.

International students planning to study in Australia should be aware of potential changes in course availability and class sizes. The decline in commencements may also influence future government policy and migration planning.

The data is published on education.gov.au and is current as of July 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please seek advice from a registered migration agent or education advisor for your situation.

Masters and Bachelor Degrees Still Lead in International Student Demand

According to the latest data from the Department of Education, master and bachelor degrees remain the most popular courses among international students in Australia. The April 2025 enrolment statistics show that higher education continues to attract the largest share of international students, with most choosing degree-level programs.

Bachelor degrees (undergraduate programs) and master degrees (postgraduate programs) account for the majority of new enrolments. This trend has remained stable over several years, despite changes in overall student numbers and visa policies. The data is published on education.gov.au and confirms the ongoing demand for Australian higher education qualifications.

International students seeking to study in Australia are advised to review course options and entry requirements for bachelor and master degree programs. These qualifications are widely recognized and may offer pathways to skilled migration for eligible graduates.

This article is based on official data from the Department of Education. It is for general informational purposes only.