AUSTRALIA 2 July 2026
Surprise Hike in International Student Visa Fees Hits Australia's Competitiveness
ENGLISH
The Australian government has announced a significant and immediate increase in international student visa application fees. Effective July 1st, 2024, the fee has jumped from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600—a 125% increase. The government states the extra revenue will fund initiatives in vocational education and domestic student support. However, education providers and industry bodies have expressed deep concern, arguing that this move, combined with stricter English language requirements and 'genuine student' tests, significantly undermines Australia's reputation as an affordable and welcoming study destination, particularly compared to competitors like Canada and the UK. International students already contributing billions to the Australian economy now face another financial barrier to entry.
Source: Read full article on ICEF Monitor (English) →
NEW ZEALAND 1 July 2026
ICEF Podcast: "Good, Steady, and Disciplined" — New Zealand's Plan for Sustainable Enrolment Growth
ENGLISH In the latest ICEF Podcast episode, hosts Craig Riggs and Martijn van de Veen review recent sector developments before handing over to a discussion recorded live at ICEF ANZA in Wellington. ICEF's Rod Hearps is joined by Celia Coombes (Director Visa, Immigration New Zealand) and Sharon‑May McCrostie (Director, International and Sector Engagement, Education New Zealand). New Zealand welcomed 83,535 international students from January–August 2025, a 14% increase year‑on‑year. By subsector: universities 43%, schools 22%, PTEs 14%, NZIST/Te Pūkenga 11%, English language schools 9%. The conversation covers the latest visa trends, areas for future development, and predictions for the year ahead. The episode's throughline: New Zealand's growth strategy is deliberately "good, steady, and disciplined" rather than rapid expansion.
Source: Listen to the full ICEF Podcast on ICEF Monitor (English) →