Australia's leading international organizations — IEAA, English Australia, and ITECA — have issued an urgent appeal to the government of the state. The reason for the request was an unprecedented increase in the visa fee (VAC) to $2,000, which is 181% higher than in 2024. The organizations are demanding that the authorities reduce visa fees by 50% for short-term programs, revise fees for ELICOS visas and courses lasting less than 52 weeks. As arguments for their position, representatives of companies cite disappointing forecasts for the future, including:
- cCosure of existing language schools,
- Massive job losses,
- Australia's declining international competitiveness,
- Outflow of students to other states.
The government's decision to increase the cost of visas for all foreign students really looks inappropriate and unfair. For example, for 4 years of study at the university, a student will have to spend $80,000, and the visa fee will be only 2% of this amount - everything looks good here, but a student of a short-term ELICOS course will pay about $5,000 in tuition fees, but his visa fee will be 40% of the total cost.
Representatives of the country's top educational associations are ready for a constructive and open dialogue with the government to find a compromise. They believe that it is crucial to find a solution that does not damage Australia's economy and reputation and maintains a steady flow of international students, including for short-term academic programs.
