Australian Student Visa Cancellations Soar Past 15,000, Tripling in Just a Few Years

Over 15,300 international students pulled out of their Australian visa applications last year, marking a substantial increase from around 5,000 withdrawals in both 2023 and 2019, as per government statistics.

The number of withdrawn visa applications increased from 4,156 in 2019 to around 5,700 in 2023, accounting for approximately 1% of all submissions in each respective year.

In 2024, however, withdrawals increased significantly to 15,348, representing 3.6% of all submitted applications, according to Andrew Norton from Monash University, who referenced information provided by the Department of Home Affairs.

Significantly more withdrawals occurred among vocational education applicants (6.1%) when compared to higher education applicants (2.8%).

Norton indicated on his website that the increase in withdrawals might indicate students “abandoning hope” regarding their prospects in Australia. As of June of the previous year, he pointed out that the average visa processing time stood at 94 days for higher education programs and 171 days for vocational courses.

He noted that it would be reasonable for candidates to simply abandon their efforts and proceed elsewhere.

The highest monthly withdrawal figures were observed in March 2024, aligning with the period when media outlets highlighted the initiatives of various organizations aimed at eliminating high-risk applications from their systems.

Norton points out that potential students are now more careful not to compromise their future prospects.

“Applicants have to disclose previous visa denials when applying for visas in the future; however, the impact varies based on the reason for denial. He advised that if someone thinks their application might get rejected, they should consider withdrawing it instead,” he clarified.

For educational institutions, visa rejection rates have a direct impact on their total immigration risk scores. These scores dictate the amount of proof needed from prospective students when they apply for visas.

In February 2024, eight institutions of higher learning from Australia—namely Western Sydney University, Macquarie, Wollongong, La Trobe, Deakin, Central Queensland, Edith Cowan, and Kaplan Business School—are
declared the revocation of acceptance letters
Or requested withdrawals from international students and recruitment agents.

Every fee paid by the applicants was returned.

Following an updated policy from the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced in December, universities were grouped into three categories according to their past visa rejection rates.

Higher-risk institutions must enforce more stringent visa conditions, which involve providing additional evidence of English skills and financial stability. As a result, many universities have decided to revoke acceptance offers primarily for applicants from countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan, where rejection rates tend to be higher. This measure helps these educational bodies maintain favorable immigration risk profiles.

Starting from late 2023, Australia has strengthened its student visa policies to gain more control over immigration. The changes encompass shortening the allowed period for staying post-graduation, boosting the standards for English-language competency, disallowing the switch from visitor visas to student visas, and elevating the financial documentation needed by roughly 20%, now standing at about AUD$29,710 (US$19,820).

Australia continues to be among the premier choices for students looking to study abroad, ranking alongside countries like the United States and Canada as a favored destination. It boasts one of the biggest concentrations of international students worldwide. By November 2024, Vietnam contributed approximately 22,000 students to this population, establishing itself as home to one of the most substantial groups of overseas learners in Australia.