International students are part of Australia's campuses, workplaces and communities. They study here, work here, pay rent here and pay taxes while residing in Australia. Over the past two years, government policy has increasingly treated them more and more as a revenue stream and migration statistic, not as people.

The National Union of Students (NUS), International Students Representative Council (ISRC) and Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) are jointly calling on the Federal Government to act on three demands.

1. Reverse the visa fee increases and end the cycle of unannounced hikes

In July 2024 a student visa cost $710. It now costs $2,500, after three increases in two years, each brought in with little to no consultation. Australia now has the most expensive student visa application in the world. The fee is non-refundable, so a student who is refused loses all of it. Graduate visa fees have also more than doubled, to $5,750. We call on the Government to reverse these increases, commit to no further hikes without consultation, and stop using international students to fill budget gaps.

2. Reverse the decision to ban most students from bringing their dependants

Since 2 October 2026, most international students can no longer bring a partner or children with them. Exemptions apply only to PhD students, certain scholarship holders, and students from ASEAN and Pacific countries. Students from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and elsewhere are now made to choose between their education and their families. No one should have to leave their partner or children behind for years to study. We call on the Government to restore the right of all international students to bring their dependants.

3. Allow students to apply for visa extensions onshore

Since 2 October 2026, most students who need a new student visa must leave Australia to apply, and stay outside Australia until it is granted. The only exceptions are students who need up to 12 extra months to finish their course with the same provider, or who are moving up to a higher qualification. Students who need more time, who have changed provider, or who are moving to a course at the same level must leave Australia, their jobs and their homes, at significant cost and with no guarantee their visa will be approved. We call on the Government to allow every student already studying here in good standing to apply onshore.

Why this matters

International education is one of Australia's largest export industries. Yet the students behind it are being priced out, separated from their families and pushed offshore. These policies damage Australia's reputation, harm student wellbeing, and make it harder for students to succeed. They also signal that some students are more welcome than others.

International students deserve fairness, stability and respect. Sign and share this petition to stand with them.