REAL DATA · NO SPECULATION
Student visa approval & refusal tracker
How hard is it to get a student visa right now? Compare 2026 refusal rates, caps, fees and post-study work rights across the top destinations — updated from our newsroom.
53%
Highest refusal — Canada
7.6%
Lowest tracked — UK
8
Destinations tracked
5
Tightening access
Compare destinations by refusal rate
Canada
USA
Australia
UKRefusal figures use different official metrics and periods per country and are indicative. Destinations expanding access (New Zealand, Germany, Ireland) have no comparable refusal figure and appear in the cards below.
Where each destination stands (8)
CanadaTightening53%new study permit refusals, Jan–May 2026 (IRCC data)
Cap: 408,000 permits (2026)
Visa fee: CAD 150 (study permit)
Processing: 5–10 weeks by country (SDS closed Nov 2024)
Post-study work: PGWP up to 3 yrs (master’s)
Work while studying: 24 hrs/week off-campus
USATightening35%F-1 refusal rate, 2025 (US State Dept data)
Cap: No cap
Visa fee: US$185 (DS-160) + US$350 SEVIS; +US$250 integrity fee on issuance
Processing: Interview waits vary widely by consulate
Post-study work: OPT 12 mo + STEM 24 mo; D/S rule still blocked; DHS appealed 30 Sep 2026
Work while studying: 20 hrs/week on-campus
AustraliaTightening24.2%all student visas, year to June 2026 (Home Affairs)
Cap: 295,000 commencements (2026 & 2027)
Visa fee: AU$2,500 (subclass 500)
Processing: 35–61 days (longer for higher-risk)
Post-study work: 485 visa: 2–3 yrs
Work while studying: 48 hrs/fortnight
UKTightening7.6%refusal rate, Apr–Jun 2026 (Home Office)
Cap: No numeric cap
Visa fee: £558 (student visa)
Processing: Standard ~3 weeks
Post-study work: Graduate Route → 18 mo from 2027
Work while studying: 20 hrs/week (term)
New ZealandEasing—expanding access, not tightening
Cap: No cap (growth target)
Visa fee: NZ$850 (student visa)
Processing: 80% within 8.5 weeks (INZ)
Post-study work: Up to 3 yrs; new 6-mo short-term graduate visa from 16 Nov 2026
Work while studying: 25 hrs/week (raised in 2025)
GermanyStable—stable; strong post-study pathways
Cap: No cap
Visa fee: €75 visa + €11,904 blocked account
Processing: ~6–12 weeks
Post-study work: 18-mo job-seeker + Opportunity Card
Work while studying: 140 full days/year
IrelandStable—stable; strong graduate scheme
Cap: No cap
Visa fee: €300 (IRP registration)
Processing: Varies
Post-study work: Third Level Graduate: up to 24 mo
Work while studying: 20 hrs/week (term)
NetherlandsTightening—reducing international intake
Cap: Reducing intake
Visa fee: ≈€210 (entry + residence)
Processing: Varies
Post-study work: Orientation year (zoekjaar): 12 mo
Work while studying: Limited hours
Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are indicative and not directly comparable across countries. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before applying.