Prime Highlights:
- Leading education organisations have urged the government to halve the AUD $2,000 student visa fee to support short-term study programmes.
- They warned that high fees are discouraging diversity among international students and threatening the survival of English language colleges.
Key Facts:
- While overall international student enrolments fell by 16% last year, ELICOS enrolments dropped by 40%.
- The proposed fee reduction mainly targets students in English language and non-award courses under 52 weeks, who often stay for cultural exchange and short-term learning.
Background
Australia’s top education organisations have urged the federal government to slash the AUD $2,000 student visa fee, warning that the sharp increase is discouraging short-term study and limiting diversity among international students.
The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), English Australia, and the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) have jointly called for a 50% reduction in fees, especially for students joining English language courses and non-award programmes under 52 weeks.
“These students come for cultural exchange and short-term learning. Charging them the full $2,000 fee for just a few weeks of study is unfair,” the organisations wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Finance Minister, and the Council for International Education.
The groups argue that high visa charges are already straining English language colleges, with several facing closures. Government statistics support their concern: although total international student enrolments decreased by 16% last year, English language intensive course (ELICOS) enrolments declined by an almost parallel 40%.
Education leaders believe that lowering visa fees will not only revive short-term programmes but also strengthen cultural connections. They highlight that classroom diversity enhances learning for both local and international students, creating more opportunities for future exchanges in Australia.
By making visas more affordable, Australia could regain its competitive edge in the global education market and continue to welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds.
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