Australia Doubles Post-Study Visa Fee for International Students

On this March 9th in Adelaide, here's what is making headlines.

The Australian government has doubled the fee for the post-study work visa

aimed at international students. This temporary graduate visa, subclass 485,

lets graduates stay and work in the country for up to three years.

The cost jumped from $2,300 to $4,600 earlier this month.

Back in 2019, the fee sat at just $1,535.

Education ranks as Australia's fourth-largest export,

bringing in $50 billion to the economy each year.

Students from Pacific countries, and team-or-less day,

get an exemption due to special ties with the region.

International students and advocates feel blindsided by the sudden hike with no warning.

One recent science graduate scrambled to cover the extra cash,

delaying her job hunt and agriculture, and straining her family support from India.

She faces a $140,000 student debt and worries about her mental health.

Industry leaders call the change unfair and exploitable,

saying it treats students like a cash source.

University groups and student unions have lost

petitions urging a reversal, warning it erodes trust,

and could scare off future applicants.

Australia's student visa already costs $2,000,

pricier than in the US or Canada.

Department officials insist the increase won't stop

determined graduates from applying.

They highlight unlimited work rights and note the policy builds long-term ties.

Education Minister Jason Claire adds

that these programs create not just revenue, but global friendships too.

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