IT Graduate from India Planning Master’s in Australia (Feb 2027) — Adelaide vs Brisbane, Visa & Medical Advice

Hi everyone,

I’m new to Reddit, so if I’m posting this in the wrong subreddit or breaking any rules, please guide me.

I’m planning to apply for the February 2027 intake in Australia and would like to hear from students, recent graduates, education consultants and migration professionals.

My background:

- Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology, completed in March 2025.

- I started working immediately after graduation and have been working in the IT industry since then.

- I also have around 1 year of professional experience in the same IT industry during my final year of bachelor’s, as my university allowed students to work while completing their final year.

- Planning to study Master of Data Science.

I’m currently considering Adelaide and Brisbane and would really appreciate some guidance.

My questions are:

1. Adelaide vs Brisbane: Which city would you recommend for an IT/Data Science student and why?

2. How are the part-time job opportunities for international students in both cities?

3. How is the IT/Data Science job market after graduation in Adelaide compared with Brisbane?

4. What major Student Visa changes have happened recently that I should know about for February 2027?

5. Has the visa process actually become more difficult for Indian students recently?

6. What are the most common mistakes or reasons for refusal that students should avoid?

7. How important is the Genuine Student (GS) assessment for someone with my academic and work background?

8. About a year ago, I completed TB treatment. Has anyone with a similar history recently gone through the Australian visa medical process? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

9. For current students in Australia, what do you wish you had known before choosing your city/university?

10. How much financial capacity should I show for my student visa application if I plan to fund part of my studies and living expenses through an education loan? What documents are generally accepted to demonstrate the loan amount and the remaining funds available to me or my sponsor?

11. Which types of education loans are generally considered secured or unsecured? For example, are loans backed by property, fixed deposits, or other collateral treated differently from loans approved without collateral? Does the Australian Department of Home Affairs distinguish between secured and unsecured education loans when assessing financial capacity, and what loan documents should I provide in either case?

12. If there are any education consultants or registered migration professionals here, I’d also appreciate your perspective on the current situation.

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who received their Australian student visa in 2025 or 2026 or are currently studying in Australia.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and advice! 🙏