Australia has implemented a significant increase in student visa application fees, raising them from $710 to $1,600 effective today, July 1, 2024.

This 225% hike makes Australia the most expensive country for student visa applications, surpassing the costs in the United States and Canada, which are approximately US$185 and C$150 (US$110), respectively.

The Australian government has introduced this measure as part of its broader strategy to manage record-high migration levels that have exacerbated pressure on the housing market.

Some context
International education is a critical sector for Australia, contributing $36.4 billion to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year.

However, the government is taking steps to ensure the sustainability of this sector while addressing the challenges posed by high migration numbers.

The new visa fee is one of several measures aimed at balancing the influx of international students with the country’s capacity to accommodate them.

Visitor visa holders and students on temporary graduate visas are now prohibited from applying for student visas while onshore. This move is intended to tighten regulations and prevent abuse of the visa system.

What to know
The fee increase also includes additional charges for accompanying applicants. Each accompanying family member aged 18 and over will now incur a fee of $1,445, while those under 18 will be charged $390. This policy aims to manage the financial implications of supporting dependents during the study period.

Moreover, the government has raised the minimum funding requirements for international students. As of May 10, 2024, applicants must demonstrate funds of at least $29,710, a 21 % increase from the previous amount of $24,505.

This new threshold is approximately $5,000 higher than what is required for a Canadian study permit application. The government asserts that this increase aligns with 75 per cent of the national minimum wage, ensuring that students have sufficient financial support during their stay.

The Australian government has also announced measures to close loopholes in visa regulations that allowed international students to overstay their visas.

This decision comes in response to a significant rise in students on second or subsequent student visas, with numbers exceeding 150,000 in the 2022-2023 period. The government aims to reduce this trend by implementing stricter regulations and enforcement.

Nairametrics previously reported that the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia at the Australian High Commission, Matthew Mechan disclosed that over 10,000 Nigerian students were granted admission to Australian universities between 2015 and 2019.

What we know
Clare O’Neil, the Australian Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, emphasized that the changes are designed to restore integrity to the international education system and create a fairer, more manageable migration framework.

The measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that the benefits of international education are balanced with the country’s capacity to sustain high levels of immigration.

As the sector adjusts to these significant changes, the impact on the international student market and Australia’s economy will be closely monitored.

The government’s actions aim to ensure that the benefits of international education continue while maintaining a sustainable and fair migration system.

The coming months will reveal whether these measures successfully balance the needs of students, educational institutions, and the broader Australian community.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2024/07/01/australia-raises-international-student-visa-fees-by-225-to-prevent-migration/

Toh

The Oceania countries have actually been living in peace with few migrants.

Aussie end of the world

Advanced countries are increasingly tightening their immigration laws to make it extremely difficult for people from third-world countries to migrate and settle in their countries.

If not that many Nigerians have sworn to be unfortunate by constantly voting for and defending old incompetent politicians, why would anyone want to leave a beautiful country like Nigeria and relocate to a fridge like "Australalia"?

Thats way too high but man must japa.

If I were a president I doubt I would allow many Nigerians to come into my country. But since I can't openly say that Nigerians cannot come, the next best thing would be to raise the visa and other fees so high that only the extremely wealthy can afford it.

These people no dey surprise me again.

Make dem go ask iya charlie how far.

Oya na…


Everybody should sit for dia papa house

They should do anything to restrict Nigerians especially from coming to thier country.

You can't after championing tribalism be running to another man's country.

Now that the northerners want to remove the rug under Tinubu's feet, where will he now turn to? The same South East or South-South his supporters bash day and night? Or the same Lagos and his hometown that he lost in the last election?

Una never see anything!

Chai..




Someone said to leave Naijay-Area is getting harder everyday.

So many ways outta the zoo but no signs say "OUT"

LOL. Australia too has followed in the UK's footsteps. Their country, their rules...

One day the tables go turn

See finish

If no be say dem don make Naija hard wetin I wan go do for forest like Australia?

225% that’s way too much, meanwhile, I will advice nairaland babes to check out my thread/topic. I have something huge for you.

It won't stop those already determined to leave this Tinubulation



I pray the Happy Slaves who helped entrenched this rudderless govt won't even make 10% of that amount talk more of applying to leave

Third world migrants are a blight on developed nations

Where's it again ?

Good, stay in your country and hold your leaders accountable

Good, stay in your country and hold your leaders accountable

Of all places, Australia?

SmartPolician:
Advanced countries are increasingly tightening their immigration laws to make it extremely difficult for people from third-world countries to migrate and settle in their countries.

If not that many Nigerians have sworn to be unfortunate by constantly voting for and defending old incompetent politicians, why would anyone want to leave a beautiful country like Nigeria and relocate to a fridge like "Australalia"?

How is Australia a fridge?

Mods why is there no News from yesterday's Euro2024 matches please? 🥺

Nigerians will still pa y to go and study there even if they raise it to 1 million percent.

A good move but it won't still stop the people who wants to go

Everybody go dey alright.

Japa gone wrong

Nigeria universities should increase their fees for international students as well.. so Australians will not migrate