The Curtin Student Guild strongly condemns the Federal Labor Government’s decision to hike visa fees for international students and graduates yet again.
From 1 July 2026, the Temporary Graduate visa fee will rise from $4,600 to $5,750, while student visa fees have also increased from $1,600 to $2,000.
These increases must be rejected.
This is the second major increase to the Temporary Graduate visa in just four months. In March, international graduates were hit with a 100% increase from $2,300 to $4,600. Now, before students have even had time to absorb that impact, the Government has added another $1,150.
When the Guild wrote to the Federal Government about the original increase, Assistant Minister Julian Hill responded that our concerns were understood, noted and shared. These latest increases prove that international students have not been listened to.
This decision does not happen in a vacuum. At a time when Pauline Hanson and One Nation are pursuing far-right arguments against international students and migration, the Federal Government should be standing up for international students, not making life harder for them.
Decisions like this send a dangerous message that international students are a problem to be managed or a revenue source to be exploited, rather than valued members of our university communities.
International students are our classmates, friends, colleagues, researchers, workers and community members. They strengthen our universities, contribute to our community, enrich our campuses and help fill critical skills needs across Australia.
The Government needs to respect the role international students play in this country. Sudden, punitive fee hikes undermine trust, create financial stress and make Australia a less fair, less welcoming and less reliable place to study, work and build a future.
The Guild calls on the Federal Government to immediately reverse these latest increases, bring visa fees back to a fair level, and properly consult international students, student unions and universities before making further changes.
Quotes attributable to Guild President Dylan Storer:
“This must be rejected. At a time when far-right politicians are attacking international students and migrants, the Government should be defending international students, not hitting them with higher fees.”
“International students deserve respect, not another bill. They study here, work here, contribute here and help make our campuses and communities stronger.”
Quotes attributable to Guild International Student Committee President Tahsin Ibn Anowar:
“International students plan years ahead to study and work in Australia. Increasing visa fees again, with little warning, creates real stress and uncertainty.”
“Decisions like this make international students feel targeted and unwelcome. The Government needs to respect our contribution, not punish us with sudden cost increases.”