Countries
UK, Australia, Canada
Changes listed
8
Last reviewed
October 2026
Sources
Official government pages
Quick Answer
The changes that matter most for a Nepali student starting in 2027 are: the UK Graduate visa becoming 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027, Australia stopping most family members being included in Student visa applications from October 2, 2026, and Canada raising the living-cost proof to CAD 23,448 for applications from September 1, 2026.
Key dates at a glance
| Effective | Country | Change |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | United Kingdom | United KingdomGraduate visa shortens from 2 years to 18 months |
| October 2, 2026 | Australia | AustraliaFamily members and onshore applications under the Student visa |
| September 1, 2026 | Canada | CanadaLiving-cost proof rises to CAD 23,448 for a single applicant |
| July 1, 2026 | Australia | AustraliaStudent visa application charge rises to AUD 2,500 |
| January 21, 2026 | Australia | AustraliaTOEFL candidates must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' |
| 2026 | Canada | CanadaSome master's and PhD students exempt from the attestation letter |
| November 8, 2024 | Canada | CanadaStudent Direct Stream ended |
| November 1, 2024 | Canada | CanadaLanguage proof required for most post-graduation work permits |
Every change, newest first
- United KingdomEffective January 1, 2027Upcoming
Graduate visa shortens from 2 years to 18 months
A Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before December 31, 2026 and 18 months if you apply on or after January 1, 2027. PhD graduates still get 3 years. Most students who start a UK degree in 2027 will graduate after the change.
GOV.UK: Graduate visaWho it affects
Nepali students starting a UK bachelor's or master's from 2027.
- AustraliaEffective October 2, 2026
Family members and onshore applications under the Student visa
Student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children in their application unless an exemption applies (for example PhD students, DFAT or Defence-sponsored students, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible students from Pacific and ASEAN countries). Current visa holders can no longer add family members after the visa is granted. Most temporary visa holders must also be outside Australia when they lodge a Student visa application and when it is granted.
Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules (subclasses 500 and 590)Who it affects
Nepali students planning to bring family, and anyone planning to switch to a Student visa from inside Australia.
- CanadaEffective September 1, 2026
Living-cost proof rises to CAD 23,448 for a single applicant
For study permit applications made from September 1, 2026, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for living costs (CAD 6,318 for each additional family member), on top of tuition and travel. Between January 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 the amount was CAD 22,895.
IRCC: Proof of financial supportWho it affects
Every Nepali student applying for a Canadian study permit.
- AustraliaEffective July 1, 2026
Student visa application charge rises to AUD 2,500
From July 1, 2026 Student visa fees start from AUD 2,500 per application unless you are exempt.
Study Australia: Student visa (subclass 500)Who it affects
Every new Student visa applicant.
- AustraliaEffective January 21, 2026
TOEFL candidates must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia'
From January 21, 2026 TOEFL iBT applicants must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when they register so the test is valid for an Australian visa. Tests taken entirely online or at home are not accepted. For tests taken on or after August 7, 2025 the minimums are IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE Academic 47 and TOEFL iBT 67.
Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500), English language requirementsWho it affects
Nepali students who still need to book an English test.
- CanadaEffective 2026
Some master's and PhD students exempt from the attestation letter
Canada has exempted certain master's and doctoral-level students from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement, and introduced faster processing for eligible PhD students and their families. Most other applicants still need an attestation letter, and Quebec uses a CAQ instead.
IRCC: Study permit, get the right documentsWho it affects
Nepali students applying for graduate study in Canada.
- CanadaEffective November 8, 2024
Student Direct Stream ended
The Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express ended on November 8, 2024. All applicants now apply through the regular study permit process.
IRCC: End of the Student Direct StreamWho it affects
Students who expected a fast-track Canadian visa.
- CanadaEffective November 1, 2024
Language proof required for most post-graduation work permits
Since November 1, 2024 most PGWP applicants must give proof of language test results when they apply. A PGWP can be valid from 8 months to 3 years, and a master's degree of at least 8 months can get up to 3 years.
IRCC: About the post-graduation work permitWho it affects
Nepali students planning to work in Canada after study.
How we keep this page accurate
We add a change only after reading the official government page, and we link to it. Rules can change again, so confirm the current position on the official site before you apply. If you spot something out of date, tell us through the contact page.