Victoria will launch a new round of invitations under the paid Registration of Interest (ROI) nomination scheme (from 60 to 198 Australian dollars), introduce a new points system with priority for healthcare professionals, and change student transfer rules between institutions. From 30 June 2027, students will only be able to transfer after completing a full year of study, except in exceptional circumstances.
Paid ROI Applications and Victoria’s New Selection System
Victoria introduces a fee for the first time for Registration of Interest (ROI) applications. The fee will be 60 Australian dollars for applicants outside Australia and 66 dollars including GST (Goods and Services Tax) for those already in the country.
An application for nomination for a subclass 190 visa (state-sponsored) will cost 180 dollars (226 with tax), and for a subclass 491 visa (state and employer-sponsored) — the same amount.
According to estimates, Victoria receives tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of applications annually. The introduction of this fee means that access to the nomination opportunity now requires additional payment, but it does not close the program itself — it simply requires a financial commitment when applying.
The Victorian Points Test: How Points are Calculated
Victoria has developed a new system for ranking applicants — the Victorian points test. Its key feature: there is no fixed minimum score threshold. Candidates are ranked by the points they accumulate, but passing is not guaranteed even with a certain result — each case is considered individually.
Age has the maximum impact. Candidates aged 20–29 receive 300 points, at 19 years old — 282 points, at 18 years old — 265 points. After 30, points decline: at 44 years old, a person receives only 16 points. Thus, older age significantly reduces competitiveness regardless of experience.
English language proficiency: Competent level gives 0 points, Proficient — 100, Superior — 200. Work experience is valued more modestly: more than 8 years — 100 points, 1 year — 20 points. Education: PhD — 100 points, master’s degree — 75, bachelor’s degree — 50, other qualifications — 25. A Skill Level 1 professional receives 50 points, others — 0.
A partner can add 50 points, but only if their occupation is on the priority list. If you apply alone, this adds nothing. Annual income of 170,000 dollars will bring 150 points, from 80,000–84,000 dollars — 8 points.
Priority Sectors: Healthcare, Social Services and Education
Victoria has identified four priority sectors that receive additional advantage during selection. First is healthcare, second is social services, third is education, and fourth is construction.
The points system clearly favours specialists with higher education (especially doctoral degrees) and medical professionals over specialists with professional qualifications, such as level 3 certificates often found in the construction industry. Selection is conducted first for the most competitive candidates, then by sector priority, and then for others.
New Student Transfer Rules from 30 June 2027
Australia has tightened requirements for student transfers between educational institutions. Until June 2027, students could theoretically arrive at one education provider and then transfer to another, often reducing their level of education. This practice was first completely prohibited and then alternative pathways were introduced.
Now the rule is: a student must complete a minimum of 12 months at their current institution before transferring to another university or program. This applies even to those who have already completed 6 months of study at the time the new rules come into force — they will also need to study until the 12-month mark.
Exceptions exist but are narrow. Transfer is allowed before 12 months in case of serious personal circumstances, closure of the program by the educational institution, or other exceptional grounds. Documentary evidence of psychological difficulties — for example, the ending of a close relationship causing stress — may serve as grounds for submitting an early transfer application, but will require document processing and does not guarantee approval on the first attempt.
Why You Should Choose a University Carefully and Check the Statement of Purpose Letter
The new rules make the choice of educational institution critically important. Before enrolling, you need to study not only the name, campus location, and accreditation of the university, but also programs at other institutions, their differences, advantages, and employment prospects after graduation.
When submitting a student visa application, the Genuine Statement Letter (statement of genuine intention) remains a mandatory document. Despite the fact that it is no longer officially required, it remains necessary both for the university and for the visa officer. This letter is the first document a visa officer reads when considering a student visa application.
Studying in Australia should be considered as an investment: you need to calculate what advantages the candidate will gain after completing the program and how quickly the invested funds will be recouped. A mistake at the stage of choosing a university will cost a whole year and money spent on tuition.
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