Aiming to curb record migration, the Australian government has significantly raised the fees for international student visas. Starting July 1, the fee will increase from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). This move, part of a broader strategy by the Anthony Albanese government, seeks to alleviate pressure on the housing market and ensure the integrity of the international education system.
The fee hike is expected to have a substantial impact on Indian students, who are the second-largest group of international students in Australia. In 2022, 100,009 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions, which rose to 1.22 lakh in January-September 2023.
Furthermore, the Australian government has introduced measures to prevent visa hopping. Temporary visa holders, such as those on Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, will no longer be allowed to apply for a student visa in Australia. This change is likely to affect thousands of Indian students currently residing in the country.
Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, highlighted the necessity of these changes, stating, “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,” as quoted by India Today.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed a net overseas migration of 548,800 people in the year ending September 30, 2023. Additionally, government reports indicated that over 150,000 students were on a second or subsequent student visa in 2022–23, marking a surge of over 30%.
The fee increase positions Australia as a more costly destination for international students than other countries like the United States and Canada, where visa fees are approximately $185 and CAD 150 ($110), respectively. Alongside the fee hike, Australia has raised the minimum savings requirement for student visas from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576).
These adjustments ensure that only genuine students are granted visas, supporting Australia's economic growth while maintaining a sustainable migration system.