A welcome change for Indian students hoping to study in Australia — the Department of Home Affairs’ recent evidence-level update shows India moving from a higher-risk band to a more moderate risk rating. That shift reduces some upfront documentation requirements for many applicants and makes the visa pathway a little simpler for students and families from Kerala.
What changed
Australia uses a combined “evidence level” system (based on your passport country and the university/provider you choose) to decide what documents you must attach when lodging a Subclass 500 student visa application. The Department’s Document Checklist Tool shows the exact checklist for each applicant.
In the latest update, India’s combined assessment now sits in a Level 2 band (moderate risk) rather than Level 3 (higher risk). Practically, that can mean less demand for upfront financial evidence or course-specific English tests for many applicants — leading to fewer surprises and potentially faster processing.
Why this matters for students from Kerala
Less paperwork at the start: families may not need to scramble to show extra bank proofs when they lodge the visa, depending on the provider’s rating.
Fewer initial barriers can translate to faster, more predictable application timelines — which matters when you’re juggling deadlines, flights, and course start dates.
The update makes Australia a more compelling, cost-effective choice for students who want high-quality education without unnecessary delays.
Important context (don’t skip this)
Evidence levels are not static: the Department updates them regularly, and the Document Checklist Tool is updated to reflect those changes. Always check the tool for your exact provider + passport combination before you apply.
The Government has also replaced the old Genuine Temporary Entrant rule with a Genuine Student requirement — this changes how student intentions are assessed, so applicants should prepare clear, truthful documentation about their academic plans.
There are other policy moves at the national level (enrolment caps and provider reclassification based on refusal/compliance data). Those measures can affect availability and competition for places, so timing and provider choice remain important.
What IRS Study Abroad says — and will do next
At IRS Study Abroad, we welcome this update. For students and parents in Kottayam and all across Kerala it means fewer initial roadblocks and clearer checklists to follow — but it also means we must move smartly and quickly.
Here’s how we’ll help you benefit from the change:
- We’ll check the Document Checklist Tool for your exact provider and passport combination and prepare a tailored document pack so nothing is missed.
- We’ll advise whether a university’s own rating reduces the need for extra financial proof or course-linked English scores, and we’ll plan your lodgement timeline accordingly.
- We’ll prepare you for the Genuine Student requirement so your application reads clearly and honestly — avoiding common pitfalls that cause delays.
- We’ll watch and advise on provider caps and enrolment limits so you have the best chance to secure a seat at competitive universities.
Short checklist for Kerala families who want to act now
- Before you apply: use the Department’s Document Checklist Tool (online) with your passport country + chosen provider to see the exact documents required.
- Prepare proof of funds, CoE, and truthful statements for the Genuine Student questions.
- Talk to your counsellor at IRS Study Abroad early — provider choice now affects the checklist and your timing.
Final note
This is a positive, practical change — not a guarantee. It reduces some friction for many Indian applicants, making Australia a more attractive option for Kerala students aiming for quality, global education. But the basics still matter: choose the right provider, prepare honest, complete applications, and check the official Document Checklist before you submit.
Need help running your exact checklist and planning an application? We’ll do it with you, step-by-step.
Contact IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam
Phone: +91 96561 21000
Office: 3rd Floor, Above Trends, Nagampadom, Kottayam