According to a report from "Tasmania Chinese Website," industry insiders suggest that the Federal Government of Australia is likely to announce a significant increase in visa application fees in the upcoming May budget, aiming to substantially reduce temporary migration levels before the next election.
As of February this year, over 700,000 international students were residing in Australia, marking the highest figure in history. Currently, international students represent the largest cohort of temporary migrants in Australia.
Australia's visa application fees for international students rank second highest globally among major study destinations.
In response, Phil Honeywood, the CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), noted that a substantial increase in application fees would have a clear impact on the number of student visa applications. As the historically high visa rejection rates begin to affect student confidence, fluctuations in application numbers have already been observed.
"We oppose any measures that exceed the rise in the Consumer Price Index, as this would make us lose global competitiveness. Additionally, since the application fees for student visas are non-refundable, this is very unfair for the large number of students whose visas are rejected," said Honeywood.
The issue of a cap on the number of international students is also under discussion. While some prominent figures, including economists like Chris Richardson and former Treasurer Peter Costello, proposed this idea at the end of last year, the Federal Government did not endorse it.
Honeywood stated that the issue of a cap on international student numbers would not be included in the May budget but would certainly be part of future discussions.
