October 2025 Migration & Education Update: State Policy Adjustments and University Announcements

As October draws to a close, Australia’s migration and education sectors have once again seen significant changes.

From state nomination updates in Western Australia, New South Wales, and the ACT, to a risk level change for Chinese passport holders under the student visa framework, and multiple university updates on courses, scholarships, and application deadlines — each development could directly impact your next move.

At Riverwood Migration, our registered migration lawyers have summarised the month’s key updates and professional insights to help you plan ahead with confidence.

1. Migration Policy Updates: Opportunities and Competition Ahead

1.1 Western Australia – Construction Priority Added & Application Fee Reinstated

Western Australia (WA) has announced several key adjustments to its 2025–26 State Nomination Program, continuing its strong focus on trade and construction occupations.

• New Priority Sector: Construction-related trades are now formally listed as a priority occupation, opening new pathways for qualified workers.
• Application Fee: The State Nomination application fee has been reinstated at AUD 200.
• Policy Continuation: Cross-state and offshore applicants remain eligible under equal weighting; construction applicants under the 190 visa stream do not require a job offer, though the General Stream (WASMOL Schedule 1) still does.

📌 Professional Note:

WA’s most recent invitation data continues to favour onshore applicants. Offshore candidates are encouraged to also consider nomination programs in other states with more active offshore quotas.

1.2 New South Wales – First 190 Round Under Tight Interim Quota

On 21 October 2025, New South Wales (NSW) issued its first 190 invitations for this program year. With only 380 interim places (combined 190 + 491) granted by the Federal Government so far, competition remains extremely high.

• Early Round Outcome: Limited invitations, mainly for high-scoring applicants in construction.
• Future Focus Areas: Once the full quota is released, NSW will prioritise six key industries:
  • Construction and infrastructure
  • Net zero and clean energy transition
  • Health and care economy
  • Digital and cyber security
  • Agriculture and agri-food
  • Advanced manufacturing
• Advice: Applicants targeting NSW should promptly update their EOI and skills assessment. If your occupation is not within the current priority list, consider waiting for the full quota release or exploring alternative state options.

1.3 ACT Occupation List – Major Reduction with Business and Design Occupations Removed

On 9 October 2025, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) reduced its occupation list from 152 to 105, removing 47 occupations.

This update mirrors NSW’s approach last year, focusing on aligning state needs with actual workforce demand.

• Removed Occupations: Include business professionals (Finance Managers, HR Managers, Economists), creative and design roles (Graphic and Web Designers), and media-related positions (Advertising and PR specialists).
• Retained Occupations: Accounting and a small number of business-related fields remain available.

1.4 Student Visa Risk Level Update – China Elevated to Level 2

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has reclassified student visa risk levels for Chinese passport holders from Level 1 (low risk) to Level 2 (medium risk).

This change means:

• Stricter assessment process: Applicants must provide more detailed financial and study evidence.
• Increased documentation: Proof of funds, study plans, and clear intention to return home are now more critical.
• Potential impact: Longer processing times and higher refusal risks if documentation is inconsistent.

📌 Riverwood Recommendation:

Chinese passport holders should prepare comprehensive, well-structured applications with clear financial and academic evidence to reduce assessment risks.

2. Education Sector Updates: Courses, Scholarships & Deadlines

2.1 Western Sydney University – Teaching Program Enhancements & Expanded Scholarships

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) program at Western Sydney University (WSU) has been optimised for flexibility and accessibility, with several important changes:

• Study Options: 2-year standard or 1.5-year accelerated modes available.
• Accreditation: NESA-approved, meeting all NSW teaching standards.
• English Waiver: Students who completed at least 1.5 years of Australian higher education in the past two years may qualify for English exemption (previously required 2 years).
• Scholarships: Automatically awarded based on GPA — up to AUD 10,000 per year (total AUD 20,000).
• Early Entry: The HSC True Reward pathway continues to offer ATAR-free admission for eligible students.

2.2 UNSW Sydney – Limited 2026 Intake & Revised English Policy

UNSW has announced that most programs for Semester 1 and 2, 2026 are already at capacity.

Unprocessed applications will be deferred to Semester 3, 2026, with the first round of offers expected on 20 November 2025.

• New English Policy:

  Only degrees from WHED-listed universities explicitly marked as English-only instruction will be accepted.

  • For non-English qualifications (e.g., A-Level), applicants need grade C (for IELTS 6.5 courses) or grade A (for IELTS 7.0 courses).
• Scholarship Process Simplified:

  From 3 November 2025, major awards like Australia’s Global University Award will be automatically included in offer letters.

2.3 University of Melbourne – Undergraduate Deadline Extensions

Several undergraduate programs — including Agriculture, Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Oral Health, and Science — have extended international application deadlines to 30 November 2025.

🎓 Tip: Despite the extension, early application is still strongly advised to allow sufficient visa processing time.

2.4 Victoria University – Nursing Program Near Full, Alternative Pathways Available

The Bachelor of Nursing (3 years) at Victoria University (VU) is nearly full for February 2026, with limited places remaining for the April intake.

• Highlights: ANMAC-accredited; graduates can register with AHPRA.

  First-year tuition discount of 10%; performance-based scholarships up to 30%.

• Alternate Pathway: Applicants not meeting entry requirements may enrol in the Bachelor of Health Science and transfer to Nursing after four subjects, with equivalent credits granted.

3. Riverwood Migration’s Professional Advice

For Skilled Migration Applicants:

• WA construction trades and NSW’s six priority industries offer strong opportunities — act early to prepare documentation.
• ACT applicants with removed occupations should consider relocation or occupation reassessment.
• Review EOI validity, skills assessments, and state requirements carefully before submission.

For Student Visa Applicants:

• Chinese passport holders must anticipate Level 2 documentation standards. Prepare complete financial and GTE evidence in advance.
• Applicants targeting 2026 university intake should apply early to secure places and scholarships amid growing competition.

📅 Need expert guidance on your migration or study options?

Our team of registered migration lawyers can assess your eligibility, refine your application strategy, and help you make informed, compliant decisions.

📧 [email protected]

📞 +61 02 8977 7530

About Riverwood Migration

Riverwood Migration is a Sydney-based law firm specialising in Australian migration law, assisting international students, skilled professionals, and families to secure their visas with confidence and integrity.