Australian international student visas see a 125% hike: Here’s what has changed for study abroad applicants
The updated fee break-up has been notified on the official website of the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs.Alongside the increased fee for main applicants, the Australian government will now charge AUD $1,445 for each accompanying applicant aged 18 and above, while accompanying family members under 18 years of age will be charged AUD $390.
The 125% hike reflects increasing value of education in Australia
According to a media release from the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs, the increase in fees reflects the growing value of education in Australia. It is also indicative of the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector. The additional funds generated from the fee increase will support several important initiatives in education and migration.
According to the release, the increased fees will help fund measures recommended by the Universities Accord, such as making 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 increase will support the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy.
An updated ‘Migration Strategy’ to come into effect
An updated Migration Strategy will also come into effect, introducing several key changes:
- Workplace Justice Visa Pilot: This pilot program will allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.
- Increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): The 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.
- Changes to Temporary Graduate Visas: The duration of these visas will be shortened, and the age eligibility criteria will be reduced.
- Ending ‘Visa Hopping’: 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 and 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, with a total of 122,391 Indian students studying in Australia during January-September 2023, according to media reports.
Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil emphasized the necessity of these changes, stating, “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.”
About The Author
