Student Visa Application Fees Have Skyrocketed In The New Financial Year
The decision by the Australian government to double the cost of student visa fees for international students has sparked concern among student representatives. They believe the price increase may lead potential students to consider studying in other countries.
Student Visa Application Fees Have Doubled
Starting from July 1, the fee for international student visas has increased to $1,600 from $710. The extra revenue will be used to fund various education initiatives, including reducing graduate debt, providing financial support for apprentices, and continuing the implementation of the government's migration strategy.
Minister for Education Jason Clare stated that international education is a vital national asset, and the government must ensure its integrity and quality.
The rise in fees makes applying for a student visa for Australia far more expensive than other countries.
Yeganeh Soltanpour, the national president of the Council of International Students Australia, criticized the decision, pointing out that the higher visa fee and the already high deposit costs place additional financial pressure on international students.
"The possibility of spending all that money only to face rejection is quite disheartening for many students," Ms Soltanpour said, "It has caused many in the student community to explore other options and competitive countries.”
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, stated that the announcement was the "last straw" for the international education sector, which has already been impacted by a slowdown in visa approvals.
"We are really in danger of losing a $48 billion a year industry," Mr. Honeywood said, "It will heavily impact on relationships with our Indo-Pacific neighbors who rely on Australia to deliver world-class qualifications to young people."
He cautioned that this adjustment might lead potential students to choose the United Kingdom, Australia's primary competitor, which currently imposes a £490 ($930) fee for student visas. The student visa fees are also significantly higher than those in the US and Canada.
Canada becomes the more affordable destination for international students.
Will It Help Reduce Migration?
The government is increasing the curb on net migration in response to a record high of 528,000 people in 2022-2023 following the removal of COVID restrictions. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil stated that the changes will establish "a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia."
Additionally, ProActive Legal’s senior migration lawyer, Sean Dong, expressed his belief that the decision will significantly impact the intake of international students in the coming years.
"The sudden increase in visa application fees indicates that the Australian government is not welcoming international students."
Around 440,000 prospective international students applied for a student visa from July 2023 to May 2024.
"It is not going to be a good solution, it will impact the revenue stream of the universities," he added.
The increase in visa fees is in response to the decision to limit the number of international students.
Source: ABC News
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