Industry Update: MD115, Student Visa Integrity & Evidence Levels
The Department of Home Affairs has released Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115) alongside a new Student Visa Integrity Alert, and the implications for education providers and agents are substantial.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what the latest Evidence Level data means for the sector:
Evidence levels now directly influence:
- Visa processing speed
- Application prioritisation
- Overall student visa outcomes under MD115
Understanding Provider Levels
- Level 1 & 2 providers – These providers demonstrate strong admissions integrity with consistently low refusal and cancellation rates.
- Level 3 providers – These remain tied to high-risk source markets, typically with refusal/cancellation rates above 30%.
Is Provider Risk Assessment Fair?
Not entirely, and this has been a long-standing concern. A Level 3 rating does not necessarily mean a provider delivers poor-quality education. In many cases, it reflects:
- Exposure to volatile visa markets
- A temporary spike in refusals
- External factors beyond the provider’s control
Importantly, Protection Visa (PV) applications are factored into final Evidence Levels, even though they do not appear in the published index, a detail many overlook.
What This Means for the Sector
- Providers with strong admissions integrity will gain a competitive advantage under MD115
- Greater Evidence Level transparency will elevate sector-wide standards
- Agents must focus on high-quality, well-documented applications
- Level 1 and 2 providers will remain highly attractive due to favourable processing lanes
If you’d like a detailed breakdown of how MD115 affects providers, agents, or students, you can request it here: https://forms.gle/kdF4byrFX5fE1xwu7
The landscape is shifting fast — and staying informed is no longer optional. It’s a strategic advantage.
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