Good news for international students, as Australia has seen an increase visa approval rates for university applicants in April 2026 after reaching record low levels earlier this year.
According to the data from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs showed that 83% of offshore university student visa applications processed in April were approved. This is a significant improvement after lower-level student visa granted 59% in March and 67% in February.
Why Did Approval Rates Increase?
It was around 7,400 visas were granted to offshore higher education applicants in Australia in April 2026, compared with 6,900 visas granted in March.
The higher approval rate seems to the government processed fewer applications from countries that currently considered high risk, particularly from South Asia.
The number of student visa applications processed from several South Asian countries dropped significantly in April 2026:
- India down 59%
- Bangladesh 67%
- Nepal down 78%
- Sri Lanka down 87%
At the same time, visa processing for some other nationalities increased in April 2026.
Visa Outcomes for Some Countries
March’s approval rate of 59% and February’s 67% were the lowest in history, as before the grant rates had remained above 73% for more than 20 years
Students from countries such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, recorded low visa refusal rates of around 4% to 15%.
However, applicant from some South Asian countries faced tougher outcomes. For example:
- Nepal had an approval rate 27% only
- India had an approval rate 49% only
Students from countries in the Evidence Level 3 category are often required to provide more supporting documents and may face closer examination during the visa assessment process.
What Does This Mean for Future Students?
Preparing a strong visa application is more important than ever. Applicants should ensure they provide clear evidence of their genuine study intentions, financial capacity, academic background, and future career plans.
For students from higher-risk countries, submitting complete and well-prepared documentation can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Need Help with Your Student Visa?
Our team at Australian Study & Visa Services can assist with:
- Free course enrolment assistance
- Free student visa application assistance
- Skilled migration
- State nomination
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Permanent residency pathways
- Family / Partner visa
Contact us today for FREE CONSULTATION to get professional guidance on your Australian migration journey.
Date Created: 05 June 2026
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