Australia has announced a significant increase in student visa application fees, aiming to reduce migration and maintain the integrity of its educational export sector. Starting July 1, the visa application fee will rise from A$710 to A$1,600, a 125% increase. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil explained that this move is part of a broader effort to create a fairer and more manageable migration system that benefits Australia.
Australia’s international education sector is among the largest globally, generating about A$48 billion annually, accounting for 7% of the country’s total exports. According to the Grattan Institute, international graduates make up a third of Australia’s permanent skilled migrant intake. The additional revenue from the increased visa fees will support various initiatives, including funding education for Australian students and providing financial assistance to local apprentices and employers.
Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive of the Group of Eight, representing Australia’s top universities, criticized the decision. She argued that the government is unfairly targeting international students to manage short-term migration spikes and housing pressures. Thomson warned that this approach could severely damage Australia’s most successful services export sector.
Australia has seen a significant increase in international student numbers since the pandemic, with over 650,000 students currently, surpassing pre-COVID levels. This influx has exacerbated the housing shortage, prompting the government to implement measures to control the flow of migrants. Migration is expected to be a critical issue in Australia’s 2025 election, with opposition leader Peter Dutton also advocating for reduced migrant numbers.
The government has also introduced several other migration-related policies, including raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas, and closing loopholes that allow continuous visa extensions. Additionally, new measures will extend the period temporary skilled migrants can remain in Australia between employer sponsors and implement the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 to prevent migrant exploitation. The Workplace Justice Visa Pilot will also be introduced to support temporary visa holders pursuing workplace justice.