Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2025
5th May 2025 – The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) unequivocally opposes the recent proposal to increase costs of international student visas to $2,000 and for international students. These proposed fees far exceed the reasonable administrative costs associated with visa processing and place an unreasonable economic burden onto our valued international student community. We also strongly oppose the proposed caps to the number of international students able to commence study at Australian institutions.
We are in a moment of history where attacks on mutual-cooperation between nations, including free trade, have demonstrably damaged the global economy. We believe that these proposals unfairly target international students and poses a serious threat to Australia’s economy and reputation. International students contribute substantially to Australia’s economic strength, cultural diversity, and academic excellence. In addition to paying large tuition fees, they provide significant economic stimulus through consumer spending and job creation, enriching Australia’s multicultural community.
“Australia should be proud that our higher education sector’s reputation attracts the best and brightest from across the world,” said CAPA National President, Jesse Gardner-Russell.
“In a period where international student visas are being cancelled in the United States, and academics are looking for a new leader in international collaboration, we should be lowering our fees, not raising them.”
Critically, since July 2024, Australia’s international student visa fees have risen 125% from AUD $710 to AUD $1,600. A further increase to AUD $2,000 would nearly triple the fee compared to its pre-July 2023 level. By contrast, other western democratic countries maintain substantially lower visa fees. For instance, the United States charges approximately AUD $820, Canada approximately AUD $108, New Zealand approximately AUD $400, and the United Kingdom approximately AUD $930.
“$2,000 AUD is equivalent to over 100,000 Indian Rupees and 10,000 Chinese Yuan – around 5 times the average monthly salary in India, and well above the average monthly salary in China. These excessive visa fees will result in many talented students reconsidering studying in Australia,” said CAPA Board Director, Anumanthram Senthilkumar.
International students’ contributions extend far beyond their substantial economic impact, encompassing significant advancements in higher education, enrichment of community diversity, strengthening of Australia’s global reputation, and enhancement of Australia’s diplomatic reach through soft power. Hundreds of thousands of current international students, along with millions of alumni worldwide, represent some of Australia’s most enduring and effective ambassadors. Undermining this legacy would be profoundly detrimental to Australia’s international standing and cultural richness.
“The revenue from visa fee increases is not going to be used to support existing international students and will instead erode trust between Australia and its international students,” said CAPA International Officer, Weihong Liang.
“Experiences of perceived unfair treatment have lasting impacts, potentially affecting Australia’s international relationships, educational partnerships, and economic opportunities far into the future.”
CAPA calls on the Australian Government to immediately withdraw the proposed visa fee increases and international student caps. We urge meaningful collaboration between the government, educational institutions, industry experts, and student representatives to develop a fair, sustainable, and student-centred international education policy framework.
ENDS
Weihong Liang and Jesse Gardner-Russell
International Officer | National President
Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations Inc.
Level 1, 120 Clarendon St, Southbank, Victoria 3006
International@capa.edu.au | President@capa.edu.au
