A recent graduate of the University of Adelaide, who wants to be identified only by her first name, Tam, had planned to apply for a subclass 485 visa in early March, just before her current student visa expired on March 15.
However, she was stunned to find that the application fee on the government website had doubled from AU$2,300 (US$1,600) to AU$4,600. The policy took effect on March 1.
The subclass 485 visa, or Temporary Graduate visa, allows international graduates to stay and work in Australia for up to three years for university degree holders and 18 months for vocational education graduates, helping them gain experience before transitioning to other visas or permanent residency. Visa holders may also bring eligible family members.
The cost has risen twice in just over a year, from AU$1,945 in early 2025. Still, the latest hike caught many off guard.
“It feels like being robbed,” Tam said, noting that major policy changes in Australia are typically announced at least a month in advance or implemented at the start of the financial year on July 1.
This time, she said, the change appeared “quietly” on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, with an unusually steep increase.
The sudden nature of the announcement, without a transition period, has raised concerns among international student advocates, who criticized the increase as treating international graduates as a “cash cow,” as reported by 9News.
“We are really unhappy that the government looks like they just want to get more money from us,” Chinese student Weihong Liang told the Australian news site, adding that “it feels like a scam.”
Weihong also said the temporary graduate visa price hike could deter some students from studying in Australia.
Despite the shock, Tam paid the new fee due to her long-term plans.
Speaking to The GuardianJimmy, a newly graduated engineer who did not want to use his surname, said he was “devastated” to log on to the Home Affairs website and find visa application costs had suddenly doubled, with no transitional grace period for existing students.
“Treating us as an ATM at the 11th hour is … a massive breach of trust that severely damages Australia’s international reputation,” he said.
Yet the changes did not stop there.
Just two weeks later, the government introduced stricter requirements for the subclass 407 training visa, effective the following day, March 11.
This visa allows foreign workers to take part in vocational training programs in Australia for up to two years, enabling them to gain work experience that may help them qualify for skilled visas or pathways to permanent residency.
Authorities said the change is intended to ensure training programs genuinely support skills development and to reduce cases of “permanent temporariness,” which can destabilize the migration system and expose workers to exploitation.
These rapid adjustments are part of Australia’s broader effort to control migration following a post-pandemic surge that saw nearly 1.1 million international students in 2024.
Over the past two years, authorities have rolled out multiple measures, including reducing post-study work rights from 4-6 years to 2-3 years, raising English proficiency requirements, increasing financial proof thresholds, and hiking student visa fees.
Experts believe further changes are likely, with wide-ranging impacts on international students. Data from Australia’s education authorities show new international student enrollments in 2025 fell to just over 202,000, down 15% from the previous year.
The National Union of Students international officer Ariya Masud told The Guardian that the increase in visa application fees, introduced without consulting students, has left many nearing graduation unsure whether they can afford to stay in Australia.
She said the move had “blindsided” international students and sent a clear message about how they are perceived in Australia, despite more than 800,000 students having called the country home for years.
Nick Duong, director of IEMC Group which provides education and migration services in Australia, said Australia is not closing its doors, as education remains a key export sector contributing more than AU$53 billion in the 2024-25 financial year. However, the country is shifting from a “mass intake” model to a more selective approach focused on quality.
He predicted tighter controls on certain fields and institutions, stricter oversight of low-quality programs, and higher academic and English requirements.
Brian Quang Dinh, a licensed migration agent and director of Edunetwork Australia, warned that not only subclass 485 and 407 visas but other categories could also face changes.
He advised prospective students to choose in-demand fields and institutions with strong support programs to improve their chances of securing post-study work visas.
Students should also plan their finances early and actively seek scholarships or funding from universities, government bodies, or businesses.
Those already studying in Australia should stay updated on immigration policies, which may change rapidly, he added. They also need to understand visa requirements thoroughly and prepare necessary documents such as English certificates, financial proof, and supporting materials, he said.
Finally, both experts emphasized that building English proficiency and gaining work experience early can strengthen visa applications.
“If you choose the right field, study seriously and plan carefully, Australia remains one of the best places to build an international career,” Duong added.
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