Australia’s leading international education organisations have called on the federal government to urgently reduce the AUD $2,000 student visa application fee, according to media reports. They warn that
the high cost is harming short-term study programs and reducing diversity among international students.
Fee Hikes Spark Concerns: The student visa fee was increased to $2,000 in July 2005, following a sharp rise from $710 to $1,600 in 2024. According to the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), English Australia, and the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), these increases make Australia’s student visa fees the highest in the world.
In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, the Finance Minister, and the six-member Council for International Education, the organisations recommended a 50% fee reduction for students enrolled in independent English language courses and nonaward programmes shorter than 52 weeks.
“These students typically seek short-term study experiences rather than multi-year qualifications. Charging the full $2,000 fee for a course lasting only a few weeks or months is inequitable,” the letter stated.
Threat To Short-Term Programmes & Cultural Exchange: The education bodies warned that high visa fees are already affecting independent English language providers, with some colleges facing closures. “Reduced interest in short-term study and exchange programmes is not only limiting diversity in Australian classrooms but will also affect opportunities for Australian students to study abroad in the future,” the letter added.
Government data supports these concerns. Between July 2024 and July 2025, international student commencements fell 16%, while enrolments in English language colleges (ELICOS) dropped by nearly 40%. The organisations emphasised that cutting visa fees for short-term programs would help restore Australia’s competitive position in the global education market and support both cultural and academic exchange.
