Major Update: South Asian Country Evidence Levels Adjusted for Student Visa (January 2026)

On 8 January 2026, the Department of Education issued a PRISMS notification to education providers regarding a significant update to South Asian Country Assessment Levels (now commonly referred to as Evidence Levels).

This update follows the previous assessment cycle on 30 September 2025, indicating a rapid shift in the Department’s risk management strategy for the region.

Why have these levels changed?

According to the official Department notification, the adjustment aims to:

"...assist with the effective management of emerging integrity issues, while continuing to facilitate genuine students seeking a quality education in Australia."

In short, the Australian government is increasing oversight to ensure that student visa applications from these regions meet the highest standards of genuineness and financial capacity.

Students enjoying a sunny day on campus, sitting on the grass and sharing notes while studying together.

The New Evidence Levels: A Summary of the Changes

While the official public registers are being updated, unofficial assessments shared with industry sources (including The Koala) indicate significant upward shifts in risk levels across the board.

A move from Level 1 to Level 3 represents the most significant increase in documentation requirements.

Country	Previous Level	New Level (As of Jan 2026)	Change Severity
Bangladesh	Level 1	Level 3	High
India	Level 2	Level 3	Moderate
Nepal	Level 2	Level 3	Moderate
Bhutan	Level 2	Level 3	Moderate
Sri Lanka	Level 1	Level 2	Low

What Does This Mean for Student Visa applicants and Providers?

The Evidence Level (AL) determines the amount of "regular evidentiary requirements" a student must provide when lodging a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

1. Increased Documentation

For countries moving to Level 3 (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan), applicants may now be required to provide formal evidence of:

• Financial Capacity: Bank statements, tax returns, and proof of source of funds.

• English Proficiency: Mandatory English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.).

2. Heightened Scrutiny

With these countries now flagged at a higher risk level, the Department of Home Affairs will apply more rigorous checks to verify the "Genuine Student" status. Any inconsistencies in documentation could lead to higher refusal rates.

3. Impact on Providers

Education providers may adjust their own internal admissions criteria for these regions to maintain their own provider risk ratings.

How Leading Edge Migration Can Help

These changes can be daunting for prospective students and their families. Navigating a Level 3 application requires precision, as there is a much smaller margin for error in your documentation.

At Leading Edge Migration, we stay ahead of Department updates to ensure your visa strategy is robust. We can help you:

• Assess your specific evidentiary requirements under the new levels.

• Review comprehensive financial and GTE documentation.

• Minimise the risk of visa refusal during this period of heightened integrity checks.

Stay ahead of the changes. Contact Leading Edge Migration today for a professional consultation on your Australian study goals.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances