Most parents we meet aren't confused about why their child wants to study abroad. They're confused about everything else: how much it will really cost, why the visa is taking so long, which agent to believe, and what happens if it goes wrong.
Australia in 2026 has made all of these harder. Here are the problems parents are facing right now, and what you can do about each one.
Problem 1: "The visa is taking much longer than expected"
Indian applications now go through closer checks. Business Standard reported that some applications that used to take about three weeks were taking up to eight. Processing is also linked to the college: once a provider reaches 80% of its yearly allocation of new international students, its applications are processed more slowly.
What to do:
- Start early. Aim to lodge well before the intake, not in the final weeks.
- Ask the college directly whether applications for your course are still in the priority queue.
- Don't book non-refundable flights or rent until the visa is granted.
- Have every document ready on day one, so a request for more information doesn't add weeks.
Problem 2: "Our bank papers are being questioned"
Bank statements may now be checked by hand, and officers look at whether the money makes sense for the family's income. Sudden deposits and unclear sponsors are the most common red flags.
What to do:
- Keep funds in place for months before applying, with normal account activity.
- Make sure ITRs, salary or business records, and bank statements tell the same story.
- For agricultural income, keep land records and crop sale records that match bank credits.
- If you're taking an education loan, get the sanction letter early and understand the repayment terms.
Our full proof of funds guide for parents explains this step by step.
Problem 3: "The costs keep going up"
The visa application charge was increased from 1 July 2026. Tuition rises most years, living costs in Australian cities are high, and the funds you must show are set by Home Affairs and revised from time to time.
What to do: budget the full first year: tuition, living costs, health cover, visa charge, flights and a buffer. Then plan the second year. A student who arrives with only the minimum often ends up working too many hours and falling behind in studies.
Problem 4: "We planned for both of them to go"
From 2 October 2026, most student visa applicants can't bring a spouse or children. If your son or daughter is married, or getting married, read the new dependant rules before committing money.
Problem 5: "Our child is already there and wants to change course"
Onshore options are now limited. Many students can't apply for a new student visa from inside Australia unless they're moving to a higher-level course or need up to 12 more months to finish. Changing colleges also has a 12-month rule until mid-2027. Details are in our onshore rules guide.
Problem 6: "Everyone is promising something different"
With tighter rules, some operators are selling certainty: "guaranteed visa", "pay after visa", "we'll manage the funds". These promises aren't real. Only the Australian Department of Home Affairs decides visas, and arranged funds or documents are misrepresentation, which can lead to refusal and a ban.
Questions to ask any consultant, including us:
- Why does this course make sense for my child's background?
- What is the full first-year cost, in writing?
- What do you refund if the visa is refused, and what don't you?
- Who checks our documents, and what will you do if something doesn't match?
- Where on the official website can I verify what you've told me?
Should you still choose Australia?
Australia still works well for students with a clear study plan, good English, and properly documented family funds. For students with long gaps, unrelated course choices, or funds that need "arranging", it has become much harder, and another country may suit them better.
The right answer depends on your child's profile, not on what worked for a neighbour last year. You can ask the assistant on this site in Hindi or Punjabi, or book a call and bring your documents for an honest assessment.