Australia urged to slash $2,000 fee for short-course visas

Calls to Reduce International Student Visa Fees in Australia

Leading international education organisations in Australia are urging the federal government to lower the hefty non-refundable student visa application fee, which currently stands at AUD $2,000. This fee has significantly increased in recent years, raising concerns about its impact on the diversity of international students and short-term study programs.

In July 2025, the government raised the student visa fee from AUD $1,600 to AUD $2,000. This followed a staggering 125% increase from AUD $710 the previous year, making Australia one of the countries with the highest student visa costs worldwide.

A joint letter by the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), English Australia, and the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has been sent to the Prime Minister and other key ministers. They are advocating for a 50% reduction in fees for students enrolling in:

Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) lasting less than 52 weeks
Non-award courses lasting less than 52 weeks

The letter highlights that these students often seek a short study experience rather than a lengthy qualification. It states, “Requiring them to pay the full AUD $2,000 non-refundable fee for a course lasting only months or weeks is inequitable, especially compared to longer, award-conferring programs.”

The organisations warn that such high fees harm independent English language providers, potentially leading to school closures and reducing cultural exchange opportunities. They emphasise that a decline in international student enrolment not only diminishes classroom diversity but could also limit Australian students’ chances to study abroad in the future.

Data from the Department of Education reveals a 16% drop in new international students starting their studies from 2024 to 2025, with enrolments in English language courses (ELICOS) decreasing by nearly 40%.

Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill has acknowledged these concerns. However, he clarified that rising visa fees are not the sole reason for the decline in international student numbers. He mentioned that tighter visa integrity measures, implemented due to certain behavioural issues from specific markets, have also negatively impacted enrolment figures. The government is currently considering feedback from education stakeholders regarding these challenges.

This situation is particularly relevant for those looking into visa sponsorship or permanent residency (PR) in Australia. Potential students and job seekers exploring the 482 visa for temporary skilled work or the 189 visa for skilled migration should keep an eye on international education trends as they plan their journey in Australia.