The Australian government has significantly increased student visa fees, effective July 1, 2024. The application fee has risen to AUD 1,600, representing a 225% jump from the previous year’s fee of AUD 710. According to an official government report, this substantial increase reflects the growing value and demand for Australia’s education system on the global stage.
The government explains that the fee hike is part of its broader commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector. The additional funds generated from the increased fees will support various important initiatives in education and migration, including the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy. This strategy aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of Australia’s migration system.
Minister of Home Affairs Clare O’Neil emphasised the importance of these changes. Stating, “The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system and create a migration system that is fairer, smaller, and better able to deliver for Australia.” Her statement highlights the government’s focus on ensuring that the international education sector remains robust and reputable.
The updated fee schedule for the Student visa (subclass 500) has been published on the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ official website. In addition to the primary applicant fee increase, the government has also revised the fees for accompanying applicants. Each applicant over 18 years old will now be charged AUD 1,445, while those under 18 will be charged AUD 390. These adjustments reflect the government’s aim to ensure that all aspects of the visa application process are appropriately valued.
This fee increase comes less than two months after the government raised the minimum funds required for international students to demonstrate financial capability. During that time, there were widespread rumours of a significant increase in visa fees. Although there was no mention of this in the government’s budget tabled on May 14, 2024, it was understood that visa fees were “likely to go up significantly at a later date.” The recent announcement confirms that this “later date” is July 1, 2024.
