Student visa rates for Australia doubles due to migration crackdown

Australia announced on Monday a significant increase in visa fees for international students, doubling the previous rate in a bid to manage high levels of migration that have exacerbated housing market strains. Starting July 1, the fee for international student visas has surged to A$1,600 ($1,068) from A$710. Additionally, onshore applications for student visas are now prohibited for visitor visa holders and those with temporary graduate visas.

The increase in fees for Australian student visas now sets a considerably higher cost compared to countries like the U.S. and Canada, where they are approximately $185 and C$150 ($110) respectively.

The government also announced it would be addressing loopholes in visa regulations that had allowed foreign students to extend their stay in Australia indefinitely. This decision comes after a significant rise in the number of students on subsequent student visas, surpassing 150,000 in the 2022–23 period, marking a more than 30% increase.

In March, stricter English language standards were implemented, and in May, the minimum savings required for international students to obtain a visa was raised to A$29,710 ($19,823) from A$24,505. This adjustment marks the second increase in approximately seven months.

This latest measure is part of a series of actions taken since late last year to tighten student visa regulations, responding to a surge in annual migration to record levels following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in 2022.