Perth International College of English shuts down over visa fee increases
Perth International College of English Closes After 25 Years of Excellence
After more than 25 years of shaping the futures of students from across the globe, the Perth International College of English (PICE) has officially closed its doors. It marks the end of an era, one filled with memories, friendships, and a commitment to quality education.
TPS Confirms Liquidation
On 16 June, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) confirmed that the Perth International College of English (PICE) has entered liquidation. The news is especially difficult for the international students who were part of this warm, multicultural community. TPS is now stepping in to ensure students affected by the closure receive appropriate support and aren’t left stranded.
Mounting Visa Costs and Refusal Rates Blamed
According to Ian Aird, CEO of English Australia, the challenges facing providers like PICE have become increasingly difficult to navigate. Despite the college’s outstanding reputation, Aird pointed to three major issues:
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Student visa fees now sit at $1,600
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A surge in visa application refusals over the past 18 months
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Long delays in visa processing
“The increase in the student visa fee to $1,600, the record high student visa application refusal rates over the last 18 months, and the visa application processing delays have meant that PICE were unable to attract enough enrolments to be financially sustainable.”
– Ian Aird, English Australia
A Legacy of Leadership and Care
Since its founding in 2002, PICE has been led by the passionate and dedicated John Paxton. His leadership not only transformed the lives of thousands of students, but he also played a key role in the broader sector, representing WA on the board of English Australia for over a decade. His absence will be deeply felt by colleagues, students, and the wider ELICOS community.
Support in the Wake of Closure
English Australia is actively working with both Paxton and TPS to help affected students. An information session is being held at the PICE campus to guide students through this challenging time and help them find alternative pathways.
An Industry-Wide Crisis
Sadly, PICE is not the only ELICOS provider to shut its doors. IH Sydney and The Language Academy on the Gold Coast have also recently closed, both citing similar issues around rising visa fees and falling enrolments. The sector is in crisis, with some insiders reporting a 50% drop in enrolments for English language courses across Australia.
A Moment for Reflection
It’s a sombre time for the international education sector. The closure of PICE leaves a noticeable gap in a community that once thrived on connection, culture, and opportunity.
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