To reduce migration, Australia on Monday more than quadrupled the cost of international student visas, from AU$710 to AU$1,600. Indian students, who make up the second-largest group of foreign students, are predicted to be negatively impacted by the decision.
According to an official statement, the rise is a reflection of the “increasing value of education in Australia” and the government’s determination to reestablishing integrity in the global education market.
Australia Implements New Measures to Strengthen Integrity of International Education System
“The changes coming into force today [Monday] 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,” stated Australia’s home minister, Clare O’Neil.
India continues to be Australia’s second-largest source country for international student enrollments, according to the Indian high commission in Canberra. From January to September of 2023, 122,391 Indian students were enrolled in Australian universities.
In order to reduce immigration and the abuse of student visas, the Australian government has already taken a number of actions in recent months. It decreased the age limit and shortened the validity period of temporary graduate visas. By plugging gaps that permitted students and other temporary visa holders to repeatedly prolong their stay in Australia, it also put an end to the practice of “visa hopping.”
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Australia Adjusts Work Hour Limits and Visa Costs to Address Labor and Migration Issues
To solve the labor crisis, the Australian government temporarily loosened the work hour limitations for students, a move that was terminated in June 2023. Students on student visas are permitted to work for up to 48 hours per two weeks while enrolled in classes as of July of last year.
The Australian government further stated that the increase in the cost of international student visas will contribute to funding a number of significant migration and education-related projects, such as the execution of the nation’s migration policy and policies related to vocational education and training, including financial assistance for employers and apprentices.
Additionally, Australia raised the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) under the Albanese government from AU$70,000 to AU$73,150. This was the second rise since the barrier was frozen at AU$53,900 for ten years.
