Australia has increased the visa fee for international students to A$1,600 (US$1,068) from A$710, aiming to manage the rising migration and the strain it puts on the housing market. The government is also prohibiting visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas from applying onshore for a student visa.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil believes these changes will enhance the integrity of the international education system and create a migration system that is fairer and more efficient for Australia. This move follows a 60% rise in net immigration to a record 548,800 people in the year to September 30, 2023.
The increase in fees positions Australia ahead of countries like the US and Canada in terms of visa costs. The government is also closing loopholes to prevent foreign students from extending their stay continuously in Australia. These actions are part of a series of measures implemented to tighten student visa rules following a surge in migration levels in 2022.
Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on the sector, emphasizing the economic importance of international student fees, which contribute significantly to Australia’s economy.