Australia updates student visa rules as Indian applicants face new biometric checks

Indian students planning to study in Australia face additional visa requirements following changes introduced by the Australian government in October 2026. The latest update allows authorities to require fingerprints and a facial image from visa applicants in India, while separate reforms affect students already in Australia.

The Australian High Commission in India said applicants lodging visa applications from Oct 26 may be required to provide biometrics. Those selected for the requirement will receive instructions from the Department of Home Affairs on how to complete the process. It does not mean every applicant must automatically submit biometrics.

Biometric checks expanded in India

The biometric requirement forms part of Australia’s wider expansion of identity checks across nearly 60 countries. Applicants who are required to provide biometrics may need to submit fingerprints and a facial image through an authorised collection process.

Students should follow the instructions issued for their individual applications and check official immigration communications rather than assume that all applicants face identical requirements.

The change applies to applications lodged from Oct 26. The Australian authorities have said applicants will be informed if they need to complete the additional step.

Separate reforms affect students already in Australia

Other student visa reforms took effect on Oct 2. These measures restrict certain applications for a new student visa from within Australia, tighten rules on including family members and extend the period most international students must remain with their education provider before transferring.

Under the transitional arrangements, most non-school students must remain enrolled with their principal education provider for 12 months before seeking a transfer, up from six months previously. Exceptions apply in specified circumstances, including where a provider or course ceases to be registered. A new student visa transfer stream is scheduled to begin in July 2027.

The reforms also limit which temporary visa holders can apply for a student visa while in Australia. Restrictions on including partners and children apply to most students, with exemptions for certain groups, including PhD students and specified government-sponsored students.

These provisions are distinct from the biometric requirement announced for applicants in India. Their application depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the relevant visa rules.

What Indian students should check

Students preparing applications should review the latest Department of Home Affairs instructions, confirm the documentation required for their circumstances and respond promptly if asked to provide biometrics.

Those already in Australia who are considering changing institutions or applying for another student visa should check the rules that apply to their visa status and course. Students should not assume that a transfer, a new onshore application or the inclusion of family members will be permitted under the previous arrangements.

Australia continues to accept student visa applications from people who meet the applicable requirements. The recent changes introduce additional checks and restrictions, but they do not amount to a blanket suspension of student visas for Indian applicants.