The international student visa in Australia will cost USD 1,600 instead of USD 710.

According to the Australian Government, the additional money will be used for educational initiatives like reducing graduate debt, providing financial assistance to apprentices and continuing the migration strategy.

Education Minister Jason Clare said International Education is a National Asset and hence, we need to maintain its integrity and quality. As of August 2023, Indian students in Australian institutions are 120,277 which is the second largest group of international students in the country.

Yeganeh Soltanpour, National President of the Council of International Students Australia, called the decision “ridiculous” and said the increase, along with deposit costs, will add more burden on international students.

She said spending so much money with the risk of visa rejection is discouraging and many students will look elsewhere.

Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, agrees, calling it the “last straw” for the already struggling international education sector.

He said this could jeopardise a USD 48 billion industry and harm relationships with Indo-Pacific neighbours who rely on Australia for quality education. He said this policy will drive students to the UK, which charges USD 900 for student visas, making it a more attractive option.