Australia Doubles International Student Visa Costs

Australia has significantly increased visa application fees for international students, aiming to enhance the “integrity” of its education sector and manage overall migration.

The fee has jumped by 125%, from AU$710 to AU$1,600, effective July 1, 2024.

Australia boasts one of the world's largest international education sectors, valued at around A$48 billion annually, accounting for 7% of its total exports.

The government anticipates this fee hike will generate nearly $100 million in additional revenue. However, concerns are rising about whether this will deter international students, whose numbers are nearing pre-pandemic levels.

The new fee places Australia's student visa cost above other popular study destinations. In comparison, visa fees are approximately $185 in the United States and C$150 ($110) in Canada.

This change will particularly impact students from China and India, the two largest groups of international students in Australia. As of early 2024, there were 148,121 Chinese and 115,275 Indian students in Australia. Students from Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Colombia, who also come in large numbers, will feel the effects as well.

Additional Migration Policy Changes

Several other migration policies also took effect on July 1, 2024:

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold: Increased to A$73,150 from A$70,000.
Temporary Graduate Visas: Reduced duration and age eligibility.
Visa Hopping: Loopholes allowing indefinite stay extensions for students and temporary visa holders have been closed.
Temporary Skilled Migrants: Extended the period they can remain in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 to 180 days.
Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023: Targets employers exploiting migrants.
Workplace Justice Visa Pilot: Allows temporary visa holders to stay in Australia briefly while pursuing workplace justice.

These changes reflect Australia's broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and ensure the sustainability and integrity of its visa programs.

Are you one of the lucky Green Card winners? Talk to us in the comment section below.

If you have plans to travel, check out the deals we found just for you!

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

_{Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.}