📷 Image Credits: The Siasat Daily
Australia has recently announced a significant increase in student visa fees for international students, a move that is set to impact thousands of Indian students planning to study in the country. The fee hike, which sees the cost rising from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, has garnered strong reactions from student representatives and the education sector. The increased fees, effective from July 1, have been defended by the Australian government as necessary to fund initiatives in education, including cuts to graduate debt and financial support for apprentices. Minister for Education Jason Clare emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity and quality of international education in Australia. The decision has sparked concerns among Indian students, given that the country is host to around 120,277 Indian students, making them the second-largest cohort of foreign students in Australia as of August 2023. Yeganeh Soltanpour, the national president of the Council of International Students Australia, expressed dismay over the cost implications for international students, positing that it could drive students towards other countries. Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, warned of potential repercussions on the international education sector, highlighting the risk of losing a significant industry revenue. The fee hike is accompanied by changes in the savings requirement for student visas, with applicants now needing to demonstrate funds equivalent to 75 percent of the national minimum wage. This move aims to ensure that students can afford basic living expenses in Australia. With the implications of the fee increase, Indian students may be compelled to explore alternative study destinations. The financial burden posed by the fee hike, in conjunction with high deposit costs, could deter prospective students from choosing Australia as their study destination. The decision has amplified concerns within the education sector and prompted discussions on the implications for student inflow and educational competitiveness. Stay tuned for more updates on international education developments.
