New Delhi, Jan. 13 -- Applying to study in Australia? You will now be subject to increased scrutiny as the country has moved Indian students into the highest risk category for visas, alongside applicants from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, according to a report by the Times of India this week.

According to the report, from 8 January 2026 Indian students have been shifted from evidence level 2 to evidence level 3, under Australia's Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). Australian media have called it an "out-of-cycle" move.

Notably, Australia has around 6,50,000 foreign students, of which Indian students comprise close to 1,40,000. Together with students from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal comprise over 30% of Australia's international ...