Australia Student Visa Processing Update: Ministerial Direction 115 Explained (Effective 15 November 2025)

Over the past few months, many students and education consultants across India have faced unexpected delays and rejections in Australian student visa applications. The main reason behind this situation is the Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115), officially issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

In this blog, Blue Horse Education explains what MD 115 means, why it caused visa delays, and how the new cycle starting 15 November 2025 will bring positive changes for genuine students.

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What is Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115)?

Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115) is a formal instruction from the Australian Government that sets the rules for how student visa applications are prioritised.

Under this direction, the Department of Home Affairs began ranking institutions based on their PRISMS enrolment threshold – a measure that checks how close each education provider is to its annual student enrolment limit.

In simple words:

• Institutions under 80% of their allowed enrolment were processed faster.

• Institutions above 80% faced slower processing and additional integrity checks.

This new rule was designed to control the inflow of international students and ensure that education providers maintain high compliance standards. However, this change unexpectedly created a backlog of visa applications, leading to longer waiting times and increased rejections.

Why Were So Many Visa Applications Delayed or Rejected?

The main reason for the recent visa delays and rejections is that many universities and colleges exceeded their enrolment threshold, pushing them above the 80% mark. As a result, applications linked to those institutions were not given top priority.

Additionally, under MD 115, the Department started taking a stricter approach towards verifying financial documents and English language test scores. Even though India was recently moved to Assessment Level 2 (AL2), which normally allows for reduced document requirements, the Australian High Commission continued to request proof of funds and IELTS/PTE results from nearly all applicants.

In many cases, students who had already submitted these documents were still asked again to reconfirm their details through Form S56 requests. This clearly indicates that the Australian authorities are focusing more on genuineness and integrity rather than just the paperwork.

What Will Change from 15 November 2025?

The good news is that from 15 November 2025, a new visa processing cycle begins. The Department of Home Affairs has announced that visa outcomes are expected to normalise gradually, meaning the long waiting periods and mass rejections should start reducing over time.

However, this does not mean the process will become lenient. Genuine students must still ensure their applications are complete, accurate, and supported by all required documents. The Australian Government continues to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that only serious and eligible students are approved.

Key Takeaways for Students and Education Consultants

At Blue Horse Education, we believe transparency and authenticity are the foundations of successful visa outcomes. Based on the latest direction, here are a few important reminders for all students and agents:

1. ✅ Do not lodge student visa files without IELTS or PTE scores.
   Even though Assessment Level 2 may suggest some flexibility, in reality, language proficiency is still mandatory.

2. ✅ Always include genuine financial documents.
   Students must show proof of funds that cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Fake or incomplete financial documents can lead to immediate rejection.

3. ✅ Understand that Form S56 requests are common.
   The Department may ask for additional evidence even after submission. Always keep your documents ready for verification.

4. ✅ Choose your education provider wisely.
   Students applying to institutions under 80% of their enrolment limit may experience faster visa processing.

5. ✅ Be genuine and honest in your application.
   The Australian Government is promoting a fair and transparent system. Any mismatch between your claimed information and submitted evidence can affect your visa result.

India’s Status: Assessment Level 2 (AL2)

As of now, India is under Assessment Level 2, which means the risk level is moderate. Normally, this level allows students to lodge visa applications without attaching every supporting document at the initial stage.

However, in practice, the Australian High Commission still insists on full documentation, especially:

• IELTS or PTE test results proving English proficiency, and

• Proof of genuine financial capacity (bank statements, education loans, or sponsors).

So, even though AL2 suggests flexibility, the actual process remains strict — every student should be prepared to provide all documents upfront.

Message from Blue Horse Education

At Blue Horse Education, we proudly support the government’s focus on integrity and genuine applications. As responsible consultants, we encourage every applicant to maintain complete transparency in their visa process.

Our advice to all aspiring international students is simple:

“Every genuine student must show proof of funds and language proficiency.”

By following this principle, we not only protect our own credibility but also strengthen the reputation of all SACA-registered consultants across India.

We have seen that well-prepared, honest applications continue to receive positive outcomes — even during challenging times. That’s why our team ensures that every file we submit meets all compliance requirements before lodging.

Final Thoughts

The implementation of Ministerial Direction 115 temporarily disrupted visa processing, but it also set the stage for a more reliable and fair system. From 15 November 2025, as the new cycle begins, genuine students can look forward to smoother and faster outcomes — provided they meet all necessary criteria.

If you are planning to study in Australia in 2025 or 2026, start preparing early. Make sure your IELTS/PTE scores and financial proofs are in order, and always work with a trusted and experienced consultant like Blue Horse Education.

For personalized guidance on your Australia student visa, feel free to reach out to our experts. We’ll help you file your application correctly, confidently, and compliantly.