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Studying in Australia from Indonesia? What the Opposition's graduate visa plan would mean

News · 2026-10-06 · 4 min read

Many Indonesian students hope to earn a degree in Australia and then gain some work experience there. Recent news about graduate visas may worry you. Here is a simple guide to what was announced and what it means for you right now.

First, the key point: nothing has changed yet

On 6 October 2026, the Liberal and National Coalition released a migration plan. The Coalition is the Opposition in Australia's federal parliament. Its plan is only a proposal. It would matter only if the Coalition wins government and then changes the law. The student visa and graduate visa rules that apply today stay the same.

What the Coalition says it would do

• Close the temporary graduate visa. Numbers would go from 271,200 down to 10,000 by 2031-32.
• Allow a four-year transition period before the visa ends.
• Ask graduates who want to stay to go back home and apply for a different temporary visa.
• Let some graduates stay if they work in priority areas, like health and education, or in some regional areas.
• Lower new international student commencements to 240,000. Today's planning level is 295,000. The Government says this year is tracking towards 250,000.

This is one part of a bigger migration cut. Net overseas migration would be 100,000 in each of the first two years of a Coalition government, and up to 160,000 in year four.

Why does the Opposition want this? It says post-study work rights have been sold as a path to permanent residence or citizenship, not as part of education. It says ending the visa would help the migration program focus on skills Australia needs.

Why India's trade deal is part of the debate

Australia has a free trade agreement with India. A former Coalition government signed it. A side letter from April 2022 promises temporary stays after study for former students:

• up to 18 months after a trade or diploma course
• up to two years after a bachelor degree
• up to three years after a STEM bachelor degree or a master's degree
• up to four years after a doctorate

An industry group for international education said the plan could break this agreement. India sends the second largest group of international students to Australia, after China. The group said Australia would lose skilled health, IT and engineering workers, after students paid for their studies. It also said the rise in non-genuine students was partly linked to a post-Covid decision by a former Coalition government to let students work more hours in key industries.

The Coalition disagrees. It says there would be no treaty breach. In its view, Australia only promised temporary visa pathways for some students for short periods after study, and Australia can choose which visas to use. It says that in government it would talk with affected partner countries about new pathways, including skilled pathways, for their citizens.

What universities and the Government think

The peak body for universities warned of long-term harm to higher education and the economy. It said limiting post-study work rights could make Australia less attractive to talented students, at a time when the country needs more skilled people.

The Government also opposed the plan. It said Australia would become a less attractive choice and could no longer pick the brightest graduates, and that employers would suffer. It noted that similar countries all offer good post-study work options. It also reminded people that international education is Australia's fourth biggest export.

Tips for Indonesian students and families

• Plan with today's rules. A proposal is not a law.
• Follow official Australian Government announcements for any real change.
• Prepare an English-language CV, and an English test result (IELTS or PTE) if your visa or course needs one.
• If a police certificate is requested, you can get an SKCK from the Indonesian National Police.
• Get Indonesian-language documents translated into English as the visa rules require.

Study plans take time. Stay calm, keep your documents ready and watch for official news before you make big decisions.

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