Australia Offers New Hope for Students and Workers (2025)

Introduction: When the World Closes Doors, Australia Opens Them

In a time when visa crackdowns, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainty cloud the dreams of studying abroad, Australia is standing tall as a beacon of clarity, opportunity, and inclusiveness. While many countries are tightening student visa quotas and slashing work rights, Australia is charting a bold new path, one that welcomes students, values diversity, and invests in talent.

For students across Asia, Africa, and beyond, this is a signal: Australia wants you. Not just for your tuition, but for your skills, ideas, and contributions to society.

What is changing: Massive Boost in Student Visas

• In a significant policy shift, Australia will increase foreign student visas by 9% in 2026, reaching 295,000 total places.
• The focus? Strengthening regional diversity and enhancing Australia’s soft power by welcoming students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
• Two-thirds of new slots will go to universities, while the rest will support vocational training, boosting skills aligned with Australian workforce needs.
• Institutions are now mandated to ensure adequate student housing and promote regional enrollment.

Source: Reuters / Australian Department of Education

Work Rights: 60 Hours per Fortnight, Starting July 2026

• From July 1, 2026, international students can work up to 60 hours per fortnight (approx. 30 hours per week) during study periods.
• During semester breaks, students can work unlimited hours, providing vital financial flexibility.
• For postgraduate research students, the right to work unrestricted hours year-round remains intact.

Source: Australian Department of Education

Why This Matters:

• Students gain greater financial independence.
• They can acquire real-world work experience in Australia.
• Employers benefit from tapping into skilled, motivated, and globally-minded talent.

Economic Impact: A Win-Win for All

• The extension of work hours is projected to generate AUD 334 million in additional tax revenue by 2029.
• In addition, international education already supports 130,000 jobs in Australia and contributes AUD 32 billion annually.
• With these new policies, Australia ensures sustainable growth while protecting student welfare and housing needs.

What Should Students Do Now

Apply Early:

In light of this, be among the first to access expanded slots in 2026. Top universities and TAFEs are expecting surging demand. Be ahead of the curve.

Plan Financially:

Higher legal work limits mean more income potential. As a result, this makes Australia one of the best ROI study destinations globally. Make the most of this ‘Sunshine.’

Choose Quality Providers:

Be smart when you opt for the ideal university for Study Abroad. Also, you should give preference to institutions that offer student housing, regional campuses, and partnerships with local employers.

Prepare for Post-Study Success:

Furthermore, Australia offers clear pathways from student visas to Temporary Graduate Visas (485), with many students transitioning to permanent residency. This is tailor-made for Indians who seek a high-quality education from a foreign university.

Final Word: Australia Isn’t Just Open — It’s Evolving

Moreover, Australia isn’t just increasing visa numbers or extending work hours – it’s reimagining global education. Instead, it is building a system that respects students as contributors, not just consumers. A system that supports your education, your career, and your future.

In a world where options are narrowing, Australia is expanding possibilities.

Come not just for a degree – come to build a life.

Presented by IMFS – India’s leading global education consultancy since 1997.

Authored by K. P. Singh
Mentor | Educationist | Founder – IMFS
Empowering the Global Student