In a significant move to address record migration and alleviate housing market pressures, Australia has more than doubled the visa fee for international students. The fee for a student visa has increased from A$710 (€440) to A$1,600 (€661), marking a substantial rise aimed at restoring integrity to the country’s international education system.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated, “The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller, and better able to deliver for Australia.”
This change is part of a broader strategy by the Australian government to tighten migration rules following a surge in net immigration, which reached a record 548,800 people in the year leading up to September 30, 2023. This spike, partly driven by the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, has intensified pressure on Australia’s already strained housing market.
Comparative Costs
The new fee structure makes studying in Australia considerably more expensive compared to other popular destinations. In the United States, a student visa costs about $185 (€170), while in Canada, it is approximately C$150 (€102). This disparity could influence the decisions of prospective international students considering their options.
Closing Loopholes
In addition to the fee hike, the government has introduced measures to close loopholes in visa regulations. Previously, many foreign students extended their stay in Australia by applying for multiple student visas. The number of students on a second or subsequent student visa surged by over 30% to more than 150,000 in the 2022-23 period. The new rules ban visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas from applying onshore for a student visa, aiming to curtail this trend.
Impact on Universities
The policy shift has raised concerns within the education sector. Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy expressed worries that the continued pressure on the sector could undermine Australia’s competitive edge in international education. “This is not good for our economy or our universities, both of which rely heavily on international student fees,” Sheehy noted.
International education is a critical component of Australia’s economy, contributing billions annually. The recent changes, including tightening English language requirements and increasing the savings needed for a visa to A$29,710 from A$24,505, represent the second increase in about seven months, reflecting a stringent stance by the government.
