Australia Hikes Visa Fees for International Students, Sparking Outcry
International students accuse Australia of treating them like 'ATMs' after visa fees for temporary graduate visas doubled without warning, making Australia's costs the highest globally.
Australia has faced backlash from international students after the federal government quietly doubled application fees for temporary graduate visas, making the country's costs the most expensive in the world for graduates hoping to stay onshore after completing their studies.
The non-refundable visa fee rose from $2,300 to $4,600 without prior warning on Sunday, placing Australia well in excess of competitors including New Zealand (A$1,406), Canada (A$262), the UK (A$1,665) and the US (A$661).
The National Union of Students has accused the government of treating international students like "ATMs" and says the students were "blindsided" by the sudden fee hike.
Source: The Guardian
