Australia doubles visa fees for international students, sending shock waves through the education sector.

The Australian government has announced a significant fee increase for international students, effective July 1, 2024. Visa fees for these students will rise from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. This change is part of a broader policy aimed at managing the country’s migration numbers and enhancing the value of education in Australia.

This fee increase aligns with the Australian Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector. The additional funds will support various initiatives in education and migration. These initiatives include recommendations from the Universities Accord, such as making HECS fairer, offering paid practical placements, and providing FEE-Free Uni Ready courses. In the Vocational Education and Training sector, there will be financial support for apprentices and their employers. Additionally, the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy will benefit from these funds.

Clare O’Neil, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, stated that this measure is essential for balancing migration numbers. She emphasized that while Australia welcomes international students, it is crucial to manage migration flow to protect local job opportunities. The government believes this fee hike will help regulate the number of international students entering the country.

The reaction to this policy change has been mixed. Educational institutions and student groups have expressed concern over a potential drop in international student numbers. They argue that international students significantly contribute to the Australian economy and that this fee increase might deter prospective students.

However, some support the move, stating that it is essential for maintaining a balanced migration policy. They believe that the fee hike will help ensure that only those genuinely interested in studying in Australia will apply, thereby reducing any undue strain on local resources.

Indian students are expected to be among the hardest hit by this change. India is one of the largest sources of international students for Australia. The increased cost might lead many to reconsider their plans to study abroad, potentially resulting in a significant drop in the number of Indian students applying to Australian universities.

The Australian government has also tightened other visa regulations as part of the broader Migration Strategy. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150. The duration of Temporary Graduate Visas will be shortened, and age eligibility will be reduced. Loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay indefinitely will be closed, ending ‘visa hopping.’

Moreover, the government will enhance mobility for temporary skilled migrants by extending the period they can remain in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 to 180 days. The Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 will introduce new criminal measures against employers exploiting migrants. Additionally, a Workplace Justice Visa Pilot will enable temporary visa holders to stay in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.