Studying in Australian universities has become costlier than before for international students. As of July 1, 2024, the fee for international student visas will increase from $710 to $1,600 for students looking to study in Australia.

The international students will now pay more to study at Australian universities than previously. The student visa charge has been increased by 125%, with students having to pay an additional $890 to cover the $1600 visa fee.

Australia’s Migration Strategy is in place and several measures are already implemented. The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has also been hiked and it will be increased from $70,000 to $73,150 based on yearly indexation, the second rise under this government after being stuck at $53,900 for a decade. This limit of AUD 73,150 is for Nomination applications lodged on and between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.

Australia had announced shortening the duration of Temporary Graduate Visas and reducing the age eligibility too. The new rules come with shorter post-study work rights and reduced age limits from 50 to 35 years of age, and increased English language requirements which were implemented in March.

Ending ‘visa hopping’ by closing the loopholes that allow students and other temporary visa holders to continuously extend their stay in Australia, in some cases indefinitely. Starting July 1, 2024, holders of certain visas, including Visitor and Temporary Graduate visas, will be unable to apply for Student visas while in Australia.

Enhancing mobility for temporary skilled migrants to reduce exploitation and drive productivity, by extending the amount of time temporary skilled migrants can remain in Australia between employer sponsors from 60 days to 180 days. The employee will now have 180 days from the date they finish working with current employer to find another approved sponsor to nominate them, be granted a different visa, or leave Australia.

Australia has also implemented the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023 to provide new criminal measures against employers engaging in the exploitation of migrants

Further, the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot allowing temporary visa holders to remain in Australia for a short period when pursuing workplace justice has been introduced by the Australian government. The two pilot programs address the visa barriers, focusing on introducing formal protection against visa cancellation. Visa holders can seek redress, even if they have breached a work-based visa condition. A second pilot will test the concept of a workplace justice visa, designed to enable temporary migrants to remain in Australia while they seek workplace justice.

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor says, “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. We are continuing our work to weed out the unscrupulous providers who are looking to take advantage of international students. “Most providers do the right thing and are in the business of education and training for the right reasons.”