In a significant policy shift, Australia has more than doubled its visa fee for international students, a move designed to manage soaring migration rates that have strained the housing market. Effective July 1, the fee for an international student visa has increased from A$710 ($471) to A$1,600 ($1,068). Additionally, holders of visitor and temporary graduate visas are now prohibited from applying for student visas while in Australia.
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 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,” she stated.
Recent data revealed a staggering 60% increase in net immigration, reaching a record 548,800 people in the year ending September 30, 2023. The significant rise in visa fees now positions Australia as a more expensive option for international students compared to countries like the U.S. and Canada, where student visa fees are approximately $185 and C$150 ($110), respectively.
To address concerns over visa compliance, the government is also closing loopholes that previously allowed foreign students to extend their stays in Australia indefinitely. In 2022–23, the number of students on a second or subsequent visa surged by over 30%, exceeding 150,000.
These measures follow a series of regulatory changes introduced since late last year, in response to a spike in migration after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. Earlier this year, English language requirements were tightened, and the savings threshold for international students seeking a visa was raised to A$29,710 ($19,823) from A$24,505.
The CEO of Universities Australia, Luke Sheehy, expressed concerns over the government’s ongoing pressure on the sector. “This is not good for our economy or our universities, both of which rely heavily on international student fees,” he remarked in an email response.
As Australia navigates these changes, the long-term implications for its international education sector and overall economy remain to be seen.
