Australia is considering raising student visa fees from AU$750 to AU$2,500 to address housing market strains due to international students. The Grattan Institute supports the hike, aiming to discourage enrollment in low-value courses and help renters.
Critics, like Abul Rizvi, fear deterring talented students and harming Australia’s competitiveness. Geeta Pillai warns of driving students to cheaper destinations, affecting Australia’s talent attraction. Industry groups advocate expanding student housing over imposing taxes.
This debate occurs as student visa approvals decline, predicting fewer international students. Australia hosts many students from China, India, and Nepal, vital to its education and economy.
Australian student visas, Visa fee increase, Education policy debate, International student impact, Housing market strains