If you are applying for an Australian visa in 2024, you should note that the Australian government changes visa application fees from time to time. Moreover, with the drastic fee increase the rejection rates for student visa applications have reached historically high levels in at least the first four months of this year. To know the most recent changes of 2024, stay tuned with us.
Applying for the Visa
The Australian government has decided that from July 1, 2024, individuals applying for an Australian student visa will no longer be able to apply for Student visas while in Australia. It means the international applicant must begin their application process from outside the country rather than within Australia.
Visa Pricing
From July 1, 2024, the government has announced a huge hike in application fees for student visas (subclass 500). For international students, it has now increased to AUD 1,600, which is 125% higher than the previous fee of AUD 710. These new charges apply to the upcoming 2024 September intake.
According to official statements from the Australian Government, this rise reflects the growing worth of education in Australia and its dedication to restoring integrity in the international education sector.
Fee Updates for accompanying dependents
The fee for accompanying applicants has also increased with the fees of the main applicants. The accompanying applicant aged 18 and over fee is increased to AUD 1,445, and for accompanying family members under 18 years old is now AUD 390.
This change is part of the Australian government’s strategy to restructure the country’s international education system.
Minimum Fund Requirement
The Australian government has also increased the minimum funds requirement for international students applying for an Australian study visa from May 10, 2024. Applicants must show funds of at least AUD 29,710, a 21% increase on the previous amount of AUD 24,505 to be qualified for a student visa.
English Language Requirement
The Australian Government as part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy has increased English language requirements for subclass 500 visa on or after 23 March 2024.
For IELTS the minimum test scores from the 5.5 bands to 6.0 (or equivalent), and TOEFL iBT on the other hand is reinstated after May 5, 2024, for Australian visas and migration purposes.
Genuine Student Requirement
On March 23, 2024, a Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE). This is a thorough examination that is meant to show that the applicants truly want to study in Australia. It requires detailed information about the applicants and they also need to explain why they have chosen to study a specific course in Australia and why settled on a particular educational institution with its benefits to them. They are encouraged to provide any other relevant information they believe is important to their application.
Temporary 485 Graduate Visa Update 2024
The visa for international students who have completed 2 years of study in Australia shows major changes, including a decrease in the age limit from 50 to 35 years, and an increase in the IELTS score minimum requirement from 6.0 to 6.5. Additionally, the Australian government has reduced the length of stayfor international graduates, including Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees for 2 years, and Master’s by research work & PhD for 3 years.
Notably, master’s (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) graduates are eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa up to the age of 50.
Overall, through Migration program planning it is estimated that the Australian Government is trying to reduce Net overseas migration from 528,000 in 2022–23 to 260,000 in 2024–25. For more information, go to the official Australian Department of Home Affairs.
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