The Australian Government has proposed to increase international student visa fees to AUD $2,000. This massive increase far exceeds the actual cost of visa processing and shows a disturbing shift: student visas are being treated as a revenue source, not a service. 

International students already face significant financial burdens—high tuition, housing costs, and rising living expenses. Since July 2024, visa fees have increased from AUD $710 to AUD $1,600—a 125% rise. Raising fees again to AUD $2,000 would mean nearly tripling the cost compared to 2023.

In contrast, visa fees in other major English-speaking countries remain much lower:

United States: ~AUD $820
Canada: ~AUD $108
New Zealand: ~AUD $400
United Kingdom: ~AUD $930

Australia’s student visa is already one of the most expensive in the world. Continuously increasing visa fees is unfair, short-sighted, and reflects serious policy failure.

This sends a damaging message globally: that Australia is moving away from fairness, inclusion, and opportunity.

We call on the Australian Government to immediately withdraw this proposal. International students deserve respect, fairness, and policies that reflect Australia's values—not opportunistic exploitation.

Sign this petition to stand with international students and protect fairness in Australia!