International graduates hoping to stay and work in Australia face a 100% increase in the cost of a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) from AU$2,300 to AU$4,600 from 1 March 2026.
The Curtin Student Guild opposes the Federal Government’s abrupt decision to double the fee and calls on the Federal Government to reverse its decision and consult with students about the impact of this decision.
Graduating students have been blindsided, forced to find an additional $2,300 just as they complete their degrees and plan their futures.
For many international students, the 485 visa is the bridge between study and meaningful professional contribution.
Doubling the cost overnight will cause real harm, placing graduates under financial strain and pushing some to abandon plans to stay and contribute to Australia.
International students are central to our universities. They enrich classrooms with diverse perspectives, strengthen academic debate, and contribute to research, innovation and professional sectors.
Sudden financial barriers to post-study work undermine their contribution and weaken our campuses and communities. When graduates trained and educated here are priced out of ss
International students deserve fairness, stability and respect.
Quotes attributable to Guild President Dylan Storer:
“At the moment international graduates are ready to contribute to our workforce and communities, the Government has chosen to make it harder, not easier. That is deeply unfair.”
“If Australia values the skills and talent of international students, our policies must reflect that with fairness and consultation.”
Quotes attributable to Guild International Student Committee President Tahsin Anowar:
“Doubling this fee without warning creates immediate financial stress for graduates who have already invested years in studying here.”
“International students plan their futures carefully. Sudden policy shifts like this undermine trust and stability at a critical moment.”