Effective 1 July 2024, an increase in student visa application fees in Australia shall be implemented. It now costs AUS $1,600 — a significant 225% jump from the previous fee of AUS $710.
The Australian government announced the change through an official release stating that “the increase reflects the increasing value of education in Australia and the Albanese Government’s commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector.”
According to the statement, the increase will help fund several initiatives in education and migration including initiatives recommended by the Universities Accord and measures concerning the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. It also further drives the ongoing implementation of the government’s Migration Strategy.
“The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia,” said Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil.
The updated fee schedule for the Student visa (subclass 500) has been published on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. The fees for accompanying family members have also been updated. The Australian government shall now charge AUS $1,445 for each accompanying applicant aged 18 and over, and AUS $390 for those below 18.
The sector had already anticipated the visa fee hike for a couple of months. However, it was notably omitted from the May federal budget. The announcement on 1 July, which declared an immediate implementation of the increase, also came without prior notice. It has thus raised concerns from various stakeholders.
Alongside this update, a number of previously announced changes shall also come into effect. These include a reduced age eligibility for Temporary Graduate visas and steps to end ‘visa hopping’ in the country.
To stay updated on news affecting international students in Australia, keep an eye out on our blog. You may also reach out to our business development experts to help guide students through these updates.
