Greens Accuse Australian Government of Exploiting International Students
The Greens have launched a scathing attack on the Australian government, accusing it of exploiting international students after it doubled application fees for temporary graduate visas without warning. This move has left thousands of graduates feeling blindsided and treated like "ATMs," with the non-refundable fee soaring from $2,300 to $4,600, effective immediately.
Students Express Devastation and Betrayal
International students, who contribute significantly to Australia's economy, say the sudden fee hike has shattered their trust. Jimmy, an engineering graduate from a prestigious Australian university, described logging onto the Home Affairs website to find the doubled costs as "devastating." He warned that this sets a dangerous precedent where the government can bypass fairness, severely damaging Australia's international reputation. The increase places Australia's fees well above those of key competitors, including New Zealand (A$1,406), Canada (A$262), the UK (A$1,665), and the US (A$661).
Union and Political Reactions
The National Union of Students (NUS) international officer, Ariya Masud, highlighted that over 800,000 current students feel betrayed by this decision, which was made without consultation. She stated that students are regarded as ATMs to funnel a multibillion-dollar industry rather than as human beings. The Greens deputy leader, Mehreen Faruqi, criticized the Labor government for being in a "race to the bottom on migration" and accused it of demonizing and exploiting international students. Meanwhile, the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (Capa) national president, Jesse Gardner-Russell, argued that the hike excludes temporary migrants from contributing to the economy, as many employers require permanent residency for graduate positions.
Government Response and Broader Context
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs defended the increase, noting that information was provided on its website on 1 March and that Australia continues to offer "generous" post-study work rights. However, this is the third fee increase since February last year, part of a series of reforms to the international student sector. In mid-2024, the government also more than doubled the student visa fee from $710 to $1,600, reduced age eligibility to 35, and shortened visa durations from six to three years. Data shows these clampdowns are having an impact, with a 33% drop in temporary graduate visas granted and a 43% decrease in student visas in the year to 31 January.
Implications for Australia's Education Sector
The fee hike raises concerns about Australia's attractiveness as a study destination, potentially harming its $40 billion international education industry. Students like Jimmy, whose visas expire soon, face uncertain futures, unable to afford the increased costs. The Greens and student unions are calling for a reversal of these rules, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and transparency to maintain Australia's global standing in education.
