Australia's International Education Sector Braces for Fee Hike, Unity Talks
The international education sector in Australia is gearing up for significant changes. On 1 July, the non-refundable student visa application fee will increase from $1,600 to $2,000. Meanwhile, the sector's peak bodies will gather to discuss visa costs and other pressing issues.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), recently shared insights with News about the upcoming challenges. A joint meeting of peak bodies, including the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), will take place on 1 July. This event aims to create a unified voice for the sector and tackle visa fees.
The methodology behind the New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) allocation model is currently under review. Discussions will centre around evolving the NOSC model and redistributing unused allocations more effectively. Additionally, the integrity component of the previously withdrawn Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Amendment Bill will be revisited. The sector seeks a more robust and transparent legislative foundation for integrity measures.
IEAA has proposed reducing visa fees to $1,000 for specific courses. With peak bodies expected to present a united front, the 1 July meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for the international education sector in Australia.
