NEW DELHI: The Australian government has recently announced a significant increase in student visa fees, set to take effect from 1 July 2024. The application fee for the Student visa (subclass 500) will see a substantial rise to AUD $1,600, marking a 125% increase from the previous fee of AUD $710.

The updated fee breakdown has been published on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Along with the increased fee for main applicants, the government will now charge AUD $1,445 for each accompanying applicant aged 18 and over, while accompanying family members under 18 years of age will be charged AUD $390.

A 125% Hike Reflects the Growing Value of Education in Australia

According to a media release from the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs, the surge in fees reflects the increasing value of education in Australia. It also demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector. The additional revenue generated from the fee increase will support essential initiatives in education and migration.

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 hike will support the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy.

Key Changes in the Updated Migration Strategy

• Workplace Justice Visa Pilot: This pilot program will allow temporary visa holders to stay in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.
• Increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): The TSMIT will increase from $70,000 to $73,150, based on annual indexation.
• 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.”