Australia Hikes Grad Visa Fees, Now Most Expensive

0:00What's up, Sydney? This is Sydney News Today, bringing you the city's fastest updates on what is happening now. Australia's federal government has doubled the application fee for temporary graduate visas, raising it from 2,300 Australian dollars to 4,600 without any warning. This sudden hike makes Australia the most expensive country worldwide for international students, helping to stay and work full-time after finishing their degrees. The change took effect immediately on Sunday and skipped certain groups, like Pacific Island and Team More Lestay citizens, or those who studied in regional areas. For comparison, fees are much lower elsewhere, about $1,400 in New Zealand, 262 in Canada, 1000, 6-65 in the United Kingdom, and 6-61 in the United States. International students feel treated like walking cash machines, with one engineering graduate devastated to discover the increase just before his. Student Visa expires on March 15th. Student unions argue it erodes trust, forces many to leave careers they built here, and harms Australia's global image.

1:10This comes amid broader reforms to curb international education. Earlier last year, fees jumped again, age limits dropped to 35, and post-study stays shortened to a maximum of 3 years. Temporary graduate visas granted fill 33% in the year, to January 31st, while student visas plunged 43. Critics including Greens politicians and student leaders call the move exploitative, especially with a tough job market for temporary workers. Demanding permanent residency, they demand a reversal, but the education minister has not yet responded. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com