Australia May Lower Student Visa Fees for Short-Term International Students

What’s Happening:
Australia currently charges $2,000 AUD for a student visa—one of the highest fees in the world. Education leaders say this is hurting short-term study sectors like:

• ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
• Learning abroad/exchange programs
• Non-award programs under 12 months

 What the Experts Are Saying:

• Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), says the sector is suffering badly, with many ELICOS institutions shutting down.
• He is hopeful that the Australian government will reduce the fee to $1,000 for short-term students, starting January 1, 2026.
• However, this might come with extra charges, such as:
  • A fee for changing education providers
  • An extra charge for student dependants

Why It’s a Problem:

• The visa fee has gone up dramatically:
  • From $710 to $1,600 in 2023
  • Then to $2,000 in 2025
• While some officials argue that $400 more isn’t much compared to the overall cost of studying in Australia (~$28,000/year), leaders say in some countries, that $400 is more than a month’s salary.
• Because the fee is non-refundable, students feel the financial risk is too high.

Broader Impact:

• The Independent Tertiary Education Council (ITECA) says skills training programs are also losing students.
• Even partner universities overseas are turning away from Australia due to high costs.
• This could limit opportunities for Australian students to go abroad, too.

In Summary:

• Australia may reduce student visa fees to $1,000 for short-term courses.
• This is meant to help revive the struggling ELICOS and short-term study sector.
• Fee cuts could come by January 2026, but students might still face other charges.
• Sector leaders are urgently pushing for reforms, especially ahead of a major education policy conference.

For expert guidance on student visas, admissions, and study abroad options:

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