Australian International Student Visas Fees Soar By 125%!

Key Points:

1. There’s a 125% increase in the international Australian student visa fee to AU$1,600 from AU$710.
2. Financial support will be offered to apprentices and their employers in the Vocational Educational and Training sector.

The Australian government has announced a significant increase in student visa fees, effective from 1 July 2024. The application fee for the international student visa (subclass 500) has risen to AU$1,600, a 125% increase from the previous fee of AU$710. Detailed fee information is available on the official website of the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs. In addition to the main applicant fee, the Australian government will now charge AU$1,445 for each accompanying applicant aged 18 and above, while family members under 18 years of age will be charged AU$390. 

A media release from the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs explains that the fee increase reflects the growing value of education in Australia. It also underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector. The additional revenue will support various important initiatives in education and migration, highlighted in the Australian student visa news.

As per the Australian student visa news, the increased fees will help fund measures recommended by the Universities Accord. These measures include HECS fairer, introducing paid practicums, and expanding FEE-Free Uni Ready courses. In the Vocational Education and Training sector, the funds will provide financial support for apprentices and their employers. Additionally, the fee increase will support the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy.

Several key changes will be introduced under the updated Migration Strategy:
1. The Workplace Justice Visa Pilot program will allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.
2. The Increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will rise from $70,000 to $73,150 based on annual indexation, marking the second increase under the current government after a decade-long freeze at $53,900.
3. Changes to Temporary Graduate Visas will be shortened, and the age eligibility will be reduced.
4. Measures will be introduced to close loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to continuously extend their stay in Australia, sometimes indefinitely.

Minister for Education Jason Clare commented on the changes, stating, “These changes will strengthen integrity in the international education system. It will also help to fund important reforms recommended by the Universities Accord, including making HECS fairer, paid practicums, and expanding FEE-Free Uni Ready courses.”

The Indian High Commission in Canberra shared that India remains the second-largest source country for international student enrollments in Australia.  The country saw 122, 391 Indian students pursuing education in Australia during January-September 2023, according to media reports.

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil emphasised the necessity of these changes, stating, “These changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system and create a migration system that is fairer, smaller, and better able to deliver for Australia.”

Conclusion

The substantial increase in Australia student visa fees marks a significant shift for international students planning to study in Australia. With a 125% hike in application fees and additional charges for accompanying family members, the changes aim to reflect the value of education and support key initiatives in the sector.Stay updated with more such student-related news by following amber news.