Rise in Australia Student Visa Fees by 125%

Australia announced that it has doubled the visa fee for international students w.e.f 1 July 2024. This latest measure addresses record migration and the resulting pressure on the housing market.

The Australia visa fee for an international student has increased to A$1,600 ($1,068) from A$710. Additionally, visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas are now prohibited from applying for a student visa while onshore.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil stated that these changes will help restore integrity to Australia's international education system and create a fairer, more manageable migration system.

Official data released in March revealed that net immigration rose by 60% to a record 548,800 people in the year to September 30, 2023.

Australia even revised the English language requirements in March 2024, take a sneak peek of the news here: Australia Raises English Requirements for Student Visas

The increased fees make applying for an Australian student visa significantly more expensive than competing countries like the U.S. and Canada, where the costs are approximately $185 and C$150 ($110), respectively.

The government also announced it would close loopholes in visa regulations that allowed foreign students to extend their stay indefinitely. The number of students on a second or subsequent student visa surged by over 30% to more than 150,000 in 2022-23.

This move follows a series of actions since late last year to tighten student visa rules, as the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 led to record annual migration levels.

Conclusion

Australia's recent changes to international student visa fees and regulations aim to restore integrity to the education system and create a fairer and more efficient migration process. These measures will help ensure that Australia remains an attractive destination for genuine students who can contribute positively to the country. For those seeking to navigate these changes and explore immigration opportunities, GetGIS offers comprehensive immigration services, including visa application assistance and expert guidance.