★ Australia has announced a significant increase in the fee for foreign student visas as part of its broader efforts to tighten immigration policies. On Monday, it was revealed that the visa fee for international students would more than double, rising from AU$710 to AU$1,600 ($1,068) effective July 1. This move aims to manage the record-high migration that has put additional strain on the housing market.
★ Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated, “The 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.”
★ In addition to the fee hike, new regulations prohibit visitor visa holders and temporary graduate visa students from applying for a student visa while onshore. This is part of a broader crackdown on visa loopholes that allowed international students to extend their stay in Australia continuously. The government noted that the number of students on second or subsequent student visas had spiked by over 30% to more than 150,000 in the 2022-23 period.
★ Data released in March indicated that net immigration surged by 60% to a record 548,800 people in the year ending September 30, 2023. The increased fees make applying for an Australian student visa significantly more expensive compared to the U.S. and Canada, where the fees are approximately $185 and 150 Canadian dollars ($110), respectively.
★ Since late last year, the government has implemented several measures to tighten student visa rules. These include stricter English language requirements introduced in March and an increase in the minimum savings international students must demonstrate, which rose from AU$24,505 to AU$29,710 in May. This marked the second increase in about seven months.
★ Since late last year, the government has implemented several measures to tighten student visa rules. These include stricter English language requirements introduced in March and an increase in the minimum savings international students must demonstrate, which rose from AU$24,505 to AU$29,710 in May. This marked the second increase in about seven months.
★ Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, expressed concern that the ongoing policy pressure on the sector could undermine the country’s strong position. “This is not good for our economy or our universities, both of which rely heavily on international student fees,” Sheehy stated in an email.
★ International education is a major export industry for Australia, contributing AU$36.4 billion to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year. The government’s stringent measures are seen as potentially jeopardizing this vital economic sector.
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