In 2025, the debate over international student policy in Australia has intensified, with the Coalition proposing to raise fortnightly work limits from 40 to 60 hours and cap new student commencements at 240,000 per year. At the same time, both major parties aim to boost visa-application fees and convert stipends into repayable loans—moves that could reshape study-work balances, financial planning, and overall student experience. Understanding these shifts is critical for anyone planning to study or migrate to Australia, and Nepcoms Services is here to guide you through every step.
1. Proposed Increase in Work Rights
The Coalition government plans to allow international students to work 60 hours per fortnight, up from the current 40-hour limit, projecting an additional AUD 417 million in tax revenue 
The Australian.
Education leaders warn that extended work hours may distract from studies and attract non-genuine applicants, potentially undermining academic quality (The Australian).
2. Caps on New Student Enrolments
Under the latest policy, no more than 240,000 new international students would be permitted to commence studies each year—a reduction of 30,000 from Labor’s plan and 30,000 below the previous 270,000 cap proposal (ABC).
The National Tertiary Education Union cautions this could devastate universities’ budgets, threaten jobs, and weaken research output across Australia (nteu.au).
3. Visa-Fee and Funding Changes
Both parties propose steep hikes in student-visa fees—up to AUD 1,600 for the Subclass 500—aimed at generating billions in revenue for the federal budget.
The Coalition also seeks to turn the AUD 315 weekly stipend for teaching, nursing, and social work trainees into repayable loans, saving about AUD 556 million over three years, but increasing student debt burdens The Australian.
4. Post-Study Work & PR Pathway Review
A rapid review of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has been pledged amid concerns of “back-door” migration, potentially tightening post-study work conditions and affecting PR eligibility timelines The PIE News.
5. Implications for International Students
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Financial Planning: Budget revisions must factor in higher visa fees, loan repayments, and living-cost requirements (now AUD 29,710 per year) My New Australian Life.
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Academic Focus: With more work hours available, students should balance employment and study to maintain performance and comply with genuine-student criteria The Australian.
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Timing & Application Strategy: Early Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) submissions and proactive visa-fee payments are crucial under stricter Subclass 500 rules VisaVerge.
6. How Nepcoms Services Can Help
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Personalized Strategy: We assess each student’s goals, finances, and course preferences to select the optimal study-work balance.
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End-to-End Application Support: From CoE management to visa lodgement and appeals, our team ensures timely, compliant submissions.
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Financial & Compliance Advice: Guidance on loan-conversion implications, OSHC requirements, and part-time work limits keeps you informed and prepared.
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Ongoing Welfare: Pre-departure briefings, accommodation sourcing, and on-arrival orientation ensure a smooth transition to Australian life.
7. Conclusion & Next Steps
Australia’s evolving international-student policies present both opportunities and challenges. By staying informed and partnering with Nepcoms Services, you can navigate these changes confidently and focus on what matters—your academic and career success in Australia.
Contact us today to schedule a free assessment and secure your pathway under the new 2025 regulations.
Key Sources:
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Coalition’s work-rights proposal The Australian
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Caps on student commencements ABC
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NTEU’s warning on caps nteu.au
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Visa-fee and CoE updates VisaVerge
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Temporary Graduate Visa review The PIE News
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Living-cost requirements My New Australian Life
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