Australia announced on Monday a significant increase in visa fees for international students, marking the latest step in its efforts to manage high migration levels that have strained housing availability.
Effective July 1, the fee for international student visas has surged to A$1,600 ($1,068) from A$710. Additionally, new regulations prohibit holders of visitor visas and temporary graduate visas from applying for student visas within Australia.
“The changes implemented today aim to enhance the integrity of our international education system and establish a migration framework that is fairer, more streamlined, and better aligned with Australia’s needs,” stated Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs.
Official statistics released in March indicated a 60% increase in net immigration, reaching a record 548,800 individuals in the year ending Sept. 30, 2023. The rise in visa fees now positions Australia as significantly more expensive compared to competitors such as the US ($185) and Canada (C$150 or $110).
The government has also moved to close loopholes allowing international students to extend their stays indefinitely, responding to a notable 30% surge in students on subsequent visas, totaling over 150,000 by 2022-23.
These measures follow a series of regulatory adjustments since late 2022 aimed at tightening student visa criteria in response to heightened migration post-COVID-19 restrictions. Recent changes include stricter English language proficiency requirements introduced in March and an increase in the savings threshold for visa applicants to A$29,710 ($19,823) from A$24,505 in May, marking the second adjustment in seven months.
Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, expressed concern over the government’s sustained policy adjustments, cautioning that continued pressure on the sector could jeopardize Australia’s global standing in education.
