As part of migration reforms coming into effect on July 1, 2024, Australia will increase the fee for international student visas from $710 to $1,600. This significant fee hike reflects the rising value of Australian education and the government’s efforts to restore integrity in the international education sector.
The increased fees will help fund several key initiatives in both education and migration. These include recommendations from the Universities Accord, such as making the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fairer, introducing paid practical training, and offering FEE-Free Uni Ready courses. In the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, the funds will support apprentices and their employers. Additionally, the increase will contribute to the ongoing implementation of Australia’s Migration Strategy.
Several elements of the Migration Strategy, which were previously announced, will also take effect from July 1, including:
- Raising the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $70,000 to $73,150, adjusted annually for inflation. This is the second increase under the current government, following a decade-long freeze at $53,900.
- Shortening the validity of Temporary Graduate Visas and lowering the age eligibility for applicants.
- Closing loopholes that allow “visa hopping,” which enables students and other temporary visa holders to extend their stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Extending the period temporary skilled migrants can stay in Australia between employers, from 60 days to 180 days, to reduce exploitation and boost productivity.
- Enforcing the Strengthening Employer Compliance Bill 2023, introducing new criminal measures against employers who exploit migrants.
- Launching the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot, which will allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia temporarily while they pursue legal action for workplace justice.
These changes aim to enhance both the integrity of Australia’s immigration system and the quality of its international education sector, ensuring long-term sustainability and fairness for students, skilled workers, and employers alike.
