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Australia Doubles Student Visa Fees;
Indians to Be Affected
Australia has more than doubled its student visa fees from USD 710 to USD 1,600, a change that will impact thousands of Indian students planning to study there. The new fee structure is effective from July 1.
Impact on International Education
Student representatives have expressed outrage, arguing that the price hike will drive potential students to other countries. ABC News reported that competitors might benefit from Australia’s increased visa fees.
Government’s Justification
The federal government stated that the additional revenue would fund educational initiatives, including cuts to graduate debt, financial support for apprentices, and the ongoing implementation of its migration strategy. “International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality,” said Minister for Education Jason Clare.
Indian Student Demographics
As of August 2023, the Indian High Commission in Canberra estimated around 120,277 Indian students were enrolled in Australia, making them the second-largest cohort of foreign students in the country.
Concerns from Student Leaders
Yeganeh Soltanpour, the national president of the Council of International Students Australia, criticized the decision. She noted that the fee increase, combined with high deposit costs, places extra strain on international students. “The possibility of spending all that money only to face rejection is quite disheartening for many students. It has caused many in the student community to explore other options and competitive countries,” she said.
Industry Impact
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, called the announcement the “last straw” for the international education sector, which has already suffered from a slowdown in visa approvals. He warned that the fee increase could drive prospective students to the United Kingdom, Australia’s closest competitor, which currently charges USD 900 for student visa fees.
Additional Financial Requirements
In addition to increased visa fees, Australia has also raised the funds required for student visas. Effective from May 10, 2024, students must show funds equivalent to 75 percent of the national minimum wage, currently AUD 29,710 for the primary applicant. This decision aims to ensure that students can afford basic living expenses in Australia.
- Australia has announced the doubling of student visa fees for international students from $473 (AUD 710) to $1,068 (AUD 1,600), effective Monday, July 1.
- Various categories of temporary visa holders are now barred from applying for a student visa from within Australia.
- Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, stated, “The changes 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.”
- The Australian government has also increased the minimum savings requirement for student visas from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576)
