More than doubling the cost from A$710 to A$1,600, Australia has significantly increased the visa fee for international student. This new fee structure, which came into effect on July 1st. Is designed to tackle housing market pressures that have been worsened by record migration numbers.
Further more, in addition, and apart from those mentioned above. There are other visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas. Who have been barred from applying for student visa onshore
“Today’s commencement of these measures will help rebuild confidence in our international education sector and create a more equitable. Smaller immigration system that can work better for Australia,” said Clare O’Neil, minister of home affairs.
According to official data released in March net migration jumped by 60% to reach an all-time high of 548800 during the year ending 30 September 2023. Compared to the US’ average charge of $185 or Canada’s approximately C$150 ($110) for student visas this new fee puts Australia far ahead its rivals.
More difficult to hold stay
Also, coupled with this hike is government closure of existing gaps through. Which international students can continuously lengthen their stay in Australia. More than 30% surge was registered in the number of second time or subsequent student visa holder totalling over 150000 people during the period between 2022-23.
Other changes since late last year aimed at tightening rules on student visas coupled with this shift. An increase in annual migration followed the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2022.
The English language requirements were made stricter for these visas as at March. Such changes saw savings required by international students to be raised up from A$24,505 (the second rise within a year)to A$29,710 as at May.
Australia’s economy is boosted by foreign education worth around AUD36.4bn ($26bn). These measures could seriously affect further growth in the industry.