International students have criticised the Australian government after the application fee for a key post-study visa was doubled without warning, making the country the most expensive destination for graduates seeking to remain after completing their degrees.
The fee for Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa rose from $2,300 to $4,600 effective immediately, according to updated information published by the Department of Home Affairs.
The visa allows international students who complete eligible qualifications at Australian institutions to remain in the country and work full-time after graduating.
Students and advocacy groups say the increase was introduced without consultation or transitional arrangements for those already preparing visa applications.
Jimmy, an engineering graduate whose student visa expires on 15 March, said he was shocked to discover the new fee while preparing his application online.
“Treating us as an ATM at the 11th hour is a massive breach of trust that severely damages Australia’s international reputation,” he said.
Comparisons with other major study destinations highlight the scale of the increase.
New Zealand charges about A$1,406 for a comparable visa, while Canada’s equivalent costs roughly A$262. The United Kingdom charges about A$1,665 and the United States approximately A$661.
Student advocates say the change risks undermining Australia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international education.
Ariya Masud, international officer for the National Union of Students, said the sudden increase left many graduates unsure whether they could afford to stay in the country.
“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,” Masud said.
The Department of Home Affairs said information about the fee change had been published online on 1 March and that Australia continued to offer “generous” post-study work rights.
Officials also noted that graduates who do not apply for the Temporary Graduate visa still have access to other migration pathways.
The increase forms part of a broader tightening of international student migration rules introduced over the past two years.
In 2024 the federal government more than doubled the student visa application fee from $710 to $1,600 and shortened the maximum duration of post-study graduate visas from up to six years to a maximum of three. The age eligibility for the visa was also reduced to 35.
Government data suggests the policy changes are already affecting migration patterns.
The number of Temporary Graduate visas granted fell by 33 per cent in the year to 31 January, dropping to 84,354 compared with 126,348 in the previous year.
Student visas also declined sharply, with grants falling 43 per cent over the same period.
Political criticism of the latest change has come from the Greens, who argue international students are being unfairly targeted as the government attempts to tighten migration settings.
Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi said the policy risked damaging Australia’s education sector and treating international students as revenue sources rather than valued contributors.
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations also warned that rising visa costs could discourage skilled graduates from remaining in Australia after completing their studies.
Jesse Gardner-Russell, the organisation’s national president, said many temporary migrants already faced barriers entering the workforce because employers often required permanent residency for graduate positions.
“Doubling the cost of their ticket to play means that those who have already integrated into Australian society and want to contribute to growing our economy will be unable to participate,” he said.
Education Minister Jason Clare was contacted for comment.
