Australian Student Visa Fee Hike- New Fee Increase for International Students as Part of July 1 Migration Reforms

Visa Fee Increase

• Effective Date: July 1, 2024
• New Fee: The fee for international student visas in Australia will increase from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.

Commitment to Education

• Government's Stance: The Albanese Government aims to enhance the value of education in Australia and restore integrity in the international education sector.
• Use of Funds: The additional revenue will support various educational and migration initiatives.

Supporting Education and Migration Initiatives

The increased visa fees will fund several key initiatives aimed at improving both the higher education and vocational sectors, including:

HECS Reforms

• Goal: Making the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fairer for students.

Paid Practical Experience

• Introduction: Providing opportunities for students to gain paid practical experience.

FEE-Free Uni Ready Courses

• Expansion: Offering more fee-free preparatory courses for university education.

Vocational Training Support

• Financial Assistance: Supporting apprentices and their employers with financial aid.

Migration Strategy Implementation

• Continuation: Rolling out the comprehensive Migration Strategy.

Key Migration Strategy Changes

Alongside the visa fee increase, several important elements of the Migration Strategy will come into effect:

TSMIT Increase

• Change: Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from AUD 70,000 to AUD 73,150.

Visa Duration Adjustments

• Modification: Shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas and reducing the age eligibility.

Ending Visa Hopping

• Closure: Closing loopholes that allow indefinite extension of stays for students and other temporary visa holders.

Enhanced Mobility for Skilled Migrants

• Extension: Allowing temporary skilled migrants to remain in Australia between employer sponsors for up to 180 days, increased from 60 days.

Employer Compliance

• Bill: Implementing the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023, introducing new criminal measures against the exploitation of migrants.

Workplace Justice Visa Pilot

• Launch: Introducing a pilot visa enabling temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period while pursuing workplace justice.

Ministerial Quotes

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor: "Australia has a world-class education sector, one that draws international students from around the globe – so we need to make sure all students are getting the quality of education they pay for."

Minister for Education, Jason Clare: "International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality."

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil: "Reform was essential after a decade of neglect under the former government. 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."

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles: "Our reforms will help vulnerable workers speak up, while we crack down on employers doing the wrong thing. We’re getting on with the job of delivering higher wages for skilled migrants and Australians."

Conclusion

These reforms underscore the Australian Government's dedication to maintaining a high-quality, fair, and sustainable education and migration system. For international students and their families, understanding these changes is crucial as they plan their educational journeys in Australia.