Australia Doubles International Student Visa Fee by 125% to $1,600 in Migration Crackdown

Jul 1, 2024, 03:37 AM

Australia has more than doubled the visa fee for international students by 125% to $1,600 in a bid to rein in record migration and ease pressure on the housing market. The fee hike, which raises the cost to $1,600, is aimed at boosting the integrity of Australia's international education sector, the country's fourth-largest export. This move has been met with criticism from the education sector, which warns of potential negative impacts. The majority of Australia's international students come from Asia, with China, India, Nepal, Philippines, and Vietnam being the top five source countries in 2024. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil confirmed the fee increase, making Australia the most expensive place in the world to apply for a student visa. The Labor government describes the measure as part of a broader migration crackdown.