In a surprise move the Albanese Government has announced a substantial increase in the fee for international student visas, effective from 1 July 2024.
The fee will rise from $710 to $1,600, a 125% increase that has drawn both praise and criticism from various sectors.
Highlights
- Significant Fee Increase: From July 1, 2024, the fee for international student visas will rise from $710 to $1,600, marking a substantial increase of 125%. T
- Education and Migration Reforms: The additional revenue from the visa fee hike will help fund key initiatives such as making HECS fairer, supporting paid practical experiences, and expanding FEE-Free Uni Ready courses.
- Enhanced Integrity Measures: The reforms will also introduce measures to increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and implement new compliance laws to prevent the exploitation of migrants.
The government argues that this increase is a reflection of the rising value of education in Australia and underscores their commitment to restoring integrity in the international education sector.
Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O’Neil, highlighted the need for these reforms.
“When we came to government we inherited a migration system that was broken and dysfunctional, and an international education system which was being compromised by rorts and exploitation. Reform was essential, after a decade of neglect under the former government.”
The additional funds raised from the increased visa fees will be directed towards several key initiatives in education and migration. These include measures recommended by the Universities Accord, such as making HECS fairer, providing paid practical placements, and offering FEE-Free Uni Ready courses.
Minister for Education, Jason Clare, emphasised the importance of these reforms:
“International education is an incredibly important national asset and we need to ensure its integrity and quality. These changes will strengthen integrity in the international education system and help to fund important reforms.”
Alongside the visa fee increase, several elements of the Migration Strategy will come into effect, including raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150.
This marks the second increase under the current government, following a decade-long freeze at $53,900.
Additionally, the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas will be shortened, and the age eligibility will be reduced. The government also aims to curb ‘visa hopping’ by closing loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay indefinitely.
Furthermore, the Vocational Education and Training sector will benefit from financial support for apprentices and their employers, and the ongoing implementation of the Migration Strategy will receive a boost.
Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor said,
“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.”
The measures also include enhancing mobility for temporary skilled migrants by extending the period they can remain in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 days to 180 days. The implementation of the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 will introduce new criminal measures against employers exploiting migrants. Additionally, the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot will enable temporary visa holders to stay in Australia for a short period when pursuing workplace justice.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, added: “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 after a decade of the former Liberal Government deliberately keeping wages low.”
However, the steep increase in visa fees has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the hike could deter potential students from choosing Australia as their study destination, potentially impacting the country’s international education sector.
There are also concerns about the financial burden on students and their families, especially those from developing countries.
The government maintains that the reforms are necessary to ensure the sustainability and integrity of Australia’s education and migration systems. As these changes take effect, the debate continues how best to balance the interests of international students, educational institutions, and the broader Australian community.
For further information and updates, stay tuned to The Australia Today.
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