The Australian government has doubled the visa application fee for international students from 710 Australian dollars ($473) to 1,600 Australian dollars ($1,068), which is approximately 89,130.29 Indian rupees. The fee will be effective from July 1, Australia’s Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement on its website.
The move is aimed at tackling high migration levels, which have put pressure on the country’s housing market.
According to the Australian Department of Education’s 2023 report, the largest number of international students in Australia are from China, followed by India.
The move to double the fees will greatly impact international students.
From July 1, 2024, students applying for an “Australian Student Visa” will have to start their application process from outside Australia, rather than from inside the country. This is likely to impact specific visa holders such as visitors and temporary graduates as they can no longer apply for a student visa while inside Australia.
“Australia has a world-class education sector that attracts international students from around the globe – so we need to ensure all students get the quality education they pay for,” said Brendan O’Connor, Australia’s Minister for Skills and Training.
However, visa applications submitted before 1 July will be unaffected by the new rules. Working Holiday Makers and Work and Holiday Visa holders are exempt from these changes. Their existing visa status will not be affected.
Australia Student Visa: New Rules
The Australian Government said that when their deadline expired Student VisaTemporary graduates have to either leave the country or seek job opportunities for employer-sponsored visas or permanent residency.
The Grattan Institute’s recent “Graduates in Limbo” report showed that 32 per cent of temporary graduate visa holders preferred to return to study rather than stay in Australia beyond the duration of their visa.
The new rules are in line with additional reforms introduced in March for temporary graduate visa holders. This means the age eligibility has been lowered from 50 to 35, and English language proficiency has been raised.
Students wishing to pursue education in Australia can travel to the country while waiting for their visa decision. However, they must have or be granted a visa that allows entry and stay in Australia during that period. Offshore student visa applicants cannot apply for a bridging visa to stay in Australia until their application is processed.
Visitor visa holders can now only study for up to three months during the validity period of their visa. Individuals who wish to study beyond this period must apply for a student visa from outside Australia.
Australia Student Visa: Who cannot apply?
Temporary graduate, marine crew and visitor visa subclasses are now restricted from applying for student visas within the country. Visa types specifically affected include temporary graduate, visitor, electronic travel authorization, medical treatment, eVisitor and marine crew visa holders.
Additionally, individuals holding temporary work visas under the International Relations (Domestic Worker – Diplomatic or Consular) stream, Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular), Transit, Diplomatic Temporary – (primary visa holders only) are also ineligible to file a student visa application while in Australia.
