Steep rise in international student visa fees push students to look beyond Australia

A steep hike in student visa fees has pushed some potential and current international students to reconsider studying in Australia.

From July 1, the international student visa application fee more than doubled from $710 to $1,600.

Wang Cheng from Suzhou, in eastern China, is now hesitant about choosing a law degree at Melbourne University or the University of New South Wales in 2025.

"Is this because [the Australian government] simply doesn't want me to come?" she questioned.

"Am I a cash cow?"

Despite acknowledging the enduring appeal of Australian universities' world rankings, she is now eyeing alternatives in Hong Kong or Europe.

"Hong Kong is closer to mainland China and has a similar culture, making it a more attractive option," Ms Wang said.

"University programs there also tend to be shorter, reducing overall costs."

Karma Dema, a single mother in Bhutan who is currently supporting her two children through their TAFE education in Australia, said she also had to consider the high cost of living.

"It's becoming too expensive with higher fees, accommodation costs and inflation," Ms Dema said.

She added that while she wanted to give both her children equal opportunities, she would only be able to pay for one child's visa for them to study at an Australian university, if she had to make the decision today.

Meanwhile, Jigme Lhamo, who is preparing for a master's degree in information technology at the University of Canberra, said she was worried about the affordability for future Bhutanese students like herself.

"The change could hurt people from humble backgrounds in my country," she said.

She said the fee hike as well as increasing course fees could divert prospective students to consider alternatives like the United Kingdom or Canada.

Current students also reconsidering

Despite warnings about the impact of the fee rise on prospective applicants, the federal government said it would help to fund important reforms recommended by the Universities Accord, including cuts to graduate debt and financial support for apprentices.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said the changes would help "restore integrity" to the international education system.

"[It will] create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia," she said in a statement.

Experts anticipate the change will lead to fewer international students, which will have an impact on the economy.

As of March, more than 740,000 international students contributed more than $47 billion to the Australian economy.

Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia said the change would further strain universities relying on international student fees amid funding shortages.

"It's about finding a new revenue source to fund their university accord program," he told the ABC.

Current students are also reconsidering their options.

Brazilian student Henry Zampoli said he wanted to change his degree from IT to marketing, but was reluctant to reapply for a student visa to switch courses.

"It is becoming too expensive, so I'm thinking of cancelling," the 21-year-old said.

"As soon as I saw the changes, I stepped back and started doing more research to go to European universities."

Meanwhile, others are dismayed about the recent string of changes for international students and fear what might still come.

Eric Shen, a Chinese student studying the bachelor of arts at Sydney University, said the fee rise sent a message that international students weren't welcomed.

He described the move as "clumsy", adding it impacted Australia's attractiveness as a study destination.

Mr Shen said he was worried other costs payable by international students could also rise, and was now looking at other study destinations.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Giang from Hanoi is enrolled and excited to study a masters in communication at Flinders University, but is worried others from her country won't be able to afford the same opportunity.

She is also concerned about working in Australia after graduating.

She said the ending of the two-year extension for graduate visa holders for select degrees created a lot of uncertainty.

"Now, because the costs are higher, everything will be difficult if [students chose] to live in Australia," she added.