The Australian Government has announced an increase in the student visa application fee, raising it from $710 to $1,600. This massive increase in Student Visa application fee indicates the increasing value of education in Australia and the Australian Government’s dedication to restoring integrity in the international education sector.
“International education is an incredibly important national asset, and we need to ensure its integrity and quality.”
Jason Clare (Minister for Education)
How Will the Increase in Student Visa Application Fee Impact Education and Migration?
The increase in student visa application fees will contribute to the funding of several significant migration and education initiatives, such as:
Measures recommended by the Universities Accord include:
- Making the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fairer.
- Paid practical training.
- FEE-Free Uniready courses.
Measures in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector include:
- Financial support for apprentices.
- Financial support for businesses.
Measures to Implement Migration Strategy
The ongoing measures for the implementation of the Migration Strategy to reduce the net migration rate.
Jason Clare (Minister for Education) has stated that:
“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 prac and expanding FEE-Free Uniready courses.”
How will the Increase in Student Visa Application Fee Impact Indian Students?
The Indian High Commission in Canberra claims that a significant portion of Australia’s student population comes from India. Australian universities enrolled 122,391 Indian students between January and September 2023, demonstrating the strong educational relations between the two countries. The increase in fees will have a major impact on the large number of Indian students who are looking to study in Australia.
Other Changes Effective Since July 1, 2024
Alongside this increase in student visa application fees, a number of previously announced elements of the Migration Strategy will also come into effect on July 1, 2024. These changes include the following:
- Increase in TSMIT: Increasing the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the second time under this government, from $70,000 to $73,150 based on yearly indexation.
- Changes to the 485 Visa: Reducing the age threshold and shortening the validity period of temporary graduate visas.
- End to Visa Hopping: End “visa hopping” by sealing the gaps that let students and other temporary visa holders stay in Australia for extended periods of time.
- Changes to Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608: In order to decrease exploitation and increase productivity, temporary skilled migrants’ mobility will be improved by extending their stay in Australia from 60 to 180 days for switching sponsors.
- Employer Compliance Bill: Enforcing additional criminal penalties against employers who exploit migrants by implementing the “Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023”.
Joint media release with the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, the Hon Jason Clare MP, and the Hon Andrew Giles MP
1. Brendan O’Connor (Minister for Skills and Training)
Brendan O’Connor stated in a joint media release that Australia has a top-notch educational system that attracts students from all over the world. Therefore, we must ensure that every student receives a high-quality education. He has said that the Government is making efforts to weed out dishonest providers who want to exploit overseas students.
2. Clare O’Neil (Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security)
Clare O’Neil, in a joint press conference with Hon Brendan O’Connor MP and Hon Andrew Giles MP, stated that when we established our government we inherited a broken and dysfunctional migration. Moreover, the international education system was being compromised by rorts and exploitation. Therefore, reform was essential to restoring the integrity of the education system.
3. Andrew Giles (Minister for Immigration and Citizenship)
Andrew Giles, who is the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, stated in a joint media release with the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP and the Hon Jason Clare MP that:
“Our reforms will help vulnerable workers speak up while we crack down on employers doing the wrong thing.”
Final Thoughts
The combination of these policy modifications signifies a change in Australia’s stance on migration, with a focus on drawing in skilled laborers and restoring the quality of its educational system. The migratory landscape in Australia will surely shift as a result of these developments, but it is unclear how they will affect the number of international students.
However, if you have any queries or confusions, it is better to seek professional advice. Therefore, schedule an online appointment now and allow us to help you throughout your visa application process.
Related Blog Posts:
Changes in Australian Immigration from July 1 2024
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.