KATHMANDU, Jan 13: Australia has tightened scrutiny of student visa applicants from Nepal after moving the country to the highest risk category under its Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF), a change that took effect on January 8.
Nepal has been upgraded from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3, the highest risk tier, alongside three other South Asian countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan and India.
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According to Indian media outlet The Times of India, the decision was taken in response to what Australian authorities described as “emerging integrity risks.” Quoting the Australian administration, the report said the change would “assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia.”
The reclassification is expected to significantly affect Nepali students aspiring to pursue higher education in Australia, as applicants will now face stricter screening. This may include additional documentation requirements, manual verification of bank statements, and the submission of even higher English-language proficiency evidence.
Bikalp Raj Pokharel, vice president of the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (E-CAN), said the decision would directly impact the number of Nepali students heading to Australia, though qualified applicants should not face major obstacles. “This decision will certainly reduce student numbers, but those with strong academic records, sound financial documentation and genuine credentials will not face serious difficulties,” he said.
In recent years, the number of Nepalis going abroad for education to the “big four” destinations—Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada—has declined. Depending on Australia’s immigration policies, around 8,000 to 12,000 Nepali students travel to Australia annually.
