International students have accused the Australian government of treating them like 'ATMs' after the fee for temporary graduate visas was doubled without warning from A$2,300 to A$4,600. The non-refundable increase, effective from Sunday, makes Australia's graduate visa the most expensive in the world, exceeding costs in New Zealand (A$1,406), Canada (A$262), the UK (A$1,665) and the US (A$661).
The hike applies to most applicants, with exceptions for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens and students who studied in regional areas. The temporary graduate visa allows international graduates to live and work full-time in Australia after completing their studies.
Jimmy, an engineering graduate from a prestigious Australian university whose student visa expires on 15 March, said he was 'devastated' to discover the increase with no transitional grace period. 'It sets a dangerous precedent where the government can bypass fairness at its whim to the detriment of vulnerable groups,' he said. 'Treating us as an ATM at the 11th hour is a massive breach of trust.'
Ariya Masud, international officer for the National Union of Students, said the decision blindsided students. 'Being blindsided by the country that over 800,000 current students have called their home for years sends a clear message about their standing in Australian society,' she said. 'We are regarded as ATMs to funnel a multibillion-dollar industry.'
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said information about the increase was provided on 1 March via its website, and that Australia continues to offer 'generous' post-study work rights. The changes follow a series of reforms, including a doubling of student visa fees to A$1,600 in mid-2024 and reduced age eligibility for graduate visas to 35. Data show a 33% drop in graduate visas granted in the year to 31 January.
Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi said Labor was in a 'race to the bottom on migration' and the fee increase would 'demonise and exploit' international students. Jesse Gardner-Russell, president of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, noted that the job market already excludes temporary migrants, as many employers require permanent residency for graduate roles.
