Australia Eases Risk Ratings — But Experts Say the System Should Be Scrapped

What’s the story?
Australia has updated its “evidence levels”  a system the government uses to decide how risky a country or education provider is when processing student visa applications.

This update was quietly released by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in September 2025 through the PRISMS system (which tracks international students). It affects all new student visa applications lodged on or after 30 September 2025.

How the System Works

• Every country and every education provider (university or college) registered under CRICOS is given an evidence level from 1 (low risk) to 3 (high risk).
• This level determines how much evidence (like financial proof and English test scores) a student needs to show when applying for a visa.
  • Level 1: Very low risk → fewer documents required.
  • Level 2: Medium risk → moderate checks.
  • Level 3: High risk → must show full financial and English proof.

A student’s visa application depends on both their country’s level and the provider’s level.

 Who Moved Up or Down

• Upgraded (improved risk rating):
  • India and Vietnam moved from Level 3 → Level 2
  • Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are now Level 1 (lowest risk)
• Downgraded (higher risk):
  • China fell from Level 1 → Level 2
    • Possibly due to the increase in asylum claims from Chinese students.
• Still high risk (Level 3):
  • Pakistan, Philippines, Fiji, and Colombia

Why Experts Are Concerned

Many experts believe this risk rating system is outdated and not transparent.
Here’s why:

1. Lack of clarity: The government doesn’t clearly explain how countries are ranked.
2. Possible manipulation: Some students may misuse the system entering through a Level 1 university, then switching to cheaper, riskier colleges after arrival.
3. Inconsistent logic: Some countries with political or economic instability (like Nepal or Bangladesh) have better ratings than those with stronger systems.
4. Financial risks: Students from low-risk countries might not show enough funds, leading to financial hardship or visa misuse.

What Experts Are Saying

• Ravi Lochan Singh (Global Reach):
  Questions why countries like India are upgraded when there’s still a rise in protection (asylum) visa applications.
• Mike Ferguson (Charles Sturt University, former DHA official):
  Says the system was useful in the past when Australia wanted to grow student numbers quickly, but now the focus is on sustainability and integrity.
  He believes all students regardless of country should show proof of funds and English proficiency to ensure fairness and prevent misuse.

Bigger Picture

• Most Australian universities are now Level 1 (lowest risk).
• Very few are Level 3.
• This makes the entire evidence-level system almost unnecessary, according to stakeholders — since nearly everyone is already “low risk.”
• Australia also recently increased its international student cap by 25,000, allowing 295,000 new international students next year.

In Short

• Australia updated its visa risk ratings for countries and institutions.
• India and Vietnam improved, China dropped, and Pakistan remains high risk.
• Experts say the system lacks transparency, may be outdated, and could encourage visa misuse.
• There are growing calls for the evidence-level system to be scrapped or replaced with a more transparent, fair model.

Planning to Study in Australia?

Visa systems and risk ratings can change quickly and understanding them is key to a smooth application.
Let WAC Consultants guide you through the latest visa updates, university choices, and document requirements with expert, transparent advice.

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