Australia has stirred international controversy by more than doubling its visa fees for international students, raising them from A$710 to A$1,600 starting July 1.
The significant increase, aimed at managing high migration numbers and addressing housing market pressures, has sparked sharp criticism as an excessive financial burden.
Under the new rules, visitors and temporary graduate visa holders are prohibited from applying for student visas while in Australia, a measure intended to bolster the integrity of the international education sector.
Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil defended the adjustments, asserting they would contribute to a more equitable and efficient migration system.
Recent data has shown a dramatic 60% rise in net immigration, with 548,800 individuals granted Australian visas in the past year alone.
With this fee hike, Australia now leads its global counterparts significantly, surpassing the approximately $185 charged by the US and Canada’s roughly C$150 ($110) for similar student visas.
Critics have condemned the move as unfairly burdening international students to fund domestic initiatives, describing it as inequitable. As Australia navigates the fallout, concerns grow about its attractiveness as a destination for global students in an increasingly competitive global education market.
