Survey reveals that student interest in Australia remains strong despite visa reforms

A recent pulse survey indicates the impact of Australia’s new visa fee hikes and financial requirements on the study plans of prospective international students. The survey, conducted in June 2024, gathered responses from over 1,400 students, and revealed mixed reactions from key student-sending markets, including China, India and other Asian and African countries.

The survey revealed that Australia’s increased visa fee, now AUD$1,600, and the higher savings threshold of AUD$29,710 are significant factors for many students considering Australia for their studies.

Survey demographics and preferences

Indian students made up the largest share of the respondents, accounting for one-third of the total, followed by students from the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Most respondents (60%) were exploring postgraduate options, with undergraduate, pathway and vocational students also represented.

Awareness and impact of new financial requirements

Approximately three-quarters of surveyed students were aware of the new savings requirement for an Australian student visa. Awareness was especially high in India (90%) and Nepal (90%), but much lower in Ghana (45%) and Taiwan (40%). While 53% of students showed that the new threshold would not change their intention to study in Australia, nearly half suggested it might, with significant variations across different markets.

For instance, about three-quarters of students from Cambodia and the Philippines stated the new savings requirement would impact their decision, compared to only 27% of Chinese and 15% of Taiwanese students.

Effects of increased visa application fees

Effective 1 July 2024, the Australian government increased the visa application fee to AUD$1,600, a 125% rise from the previous fee of AUD$710. Although the survey was conducted before this announcement, it found that a substantial number of students might reconsider their study destination due to higher fees. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of prospective students said they might change their plans due to the fee increase, with significant variations across different markets.

The impact of the increased visa fees varied significantly across different markets. In China, about half of the prospective students claimed they wouldn’t change their intention to study in Australia. Similarly, around half of Indian students reported no change in their study plans. However, in more price-sensitive markets like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam, more than 70% of students stated they might reconsider their study plans due to the higher fee. Additionally, at least 40% of students from Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, and Ghana depicted that an increase in visa fees would impact their study plans.

Resilience on visa rejections

Despite the financial hurdles, most students remain undeterred by possible visa rejections. About 1 in 6 respondents had experienced or knew someone who had experienced a visa rejection. Nevertheless, more than 70% of prospective students stated they would continue with their plans to obtain a visa and study abroad, with only a small fraction indicating they would study in their home country as a result of a visa rejection.

Australia remaining strong

While Australia’s new financial requirements and visa fees are causing many prospective students to reconsider their plans, the overall determination to study abroad remains strong. However, the impact varies significantly across different markets, underscoring the need for tailored approaches in student recruitment and support. This nuanced understanding will help Australian educational institutions in navigating the challenges posed by the visa reforms and maintain their attractiveness to international students.

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