Australia has announced a significant increase in visa fees for international students, more than doubling the cost from A$710 to A$1,600 ($1,068) effective July 1.
This decision, part of broader efforts to manage record migration and alleviate pressure on the housing market, includes banning onshore applications for student visas by visitor visa holders and temporary graduate visa holders.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized that these changes aim to enhance the integrity of Australia’s international education system and create a more balanced migration framework.
The move comes amid a sharp rise in net immigration, which surged by 60% to a record 548,800 people in the year ending Sept. 30, 2023.
The fee hike positions Australia’s student visa costs notably higher than those in competing countries like the U.S. and Canada, where fees are approximately $185 and C$150 ($110), respectively.
The government also intends to close loopholes that allowed students to extend their stays continuously, responding to a significant increase in the number of students on subsequent visas, exceeding 150,000 in the 2022-23 period.
These adjustments follow previous measures to tighten visa regulations, including stricter English language requirements in March and increased financial requirements for visa applicants in May.
Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, expressed concerns about the ongoing policy pressures on the education sector, noting the industry’s crucial role in the economy, contributing A$36.4 billion in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
The Australian government’s actions aim to manage migration levels while maintaining the economic benefits of international education, despite concerns within the education sector about potential adverse impacts on university finances and Australia’s attractiveness as a study destination.
Source-Reuters
