Australia Reduces Student Visa Fees for Pacific and Timor-Leste Nationals

Starting from March 22, 2025, Australia will implement changes to the Migration Regulations 1994, reducing student visa application fees for nationals of specific Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. These amendments replace the previous partial refund scheme with an immediate fee reduction for eligible applicants.

What’s Changing?

• Removal of Partial Refund Policy – The previous system allowing eligible applicants to apply for a partial refund after payment is revoked.
• Lower Upfront Visa Application Charge (VAC) – Instead of applying for a refund later, eligible applicants from the Pacific and Timor-Leste will now pay a reduced VAC at the time of application.
• Who Qualifies?
  • Primary applicants holding a valid passport from one of the eligible countries.
  • Family members applying jointly or as dependents of an eligible visa holder.

New Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) Fees:

What About Those Who Have Already Applied?

Applicants who lodged their visa applications between July 1, 2024, and March 21, 2025, can still apply for a refund until June 22, 2025.

Why Is Australia Reducing Student Visa Fees?

The Australian government states that this policy aims to strengthen educational and economic ties with the Pacific region. It is part of broader efforts to enhance international education and regional cooperation.

Under the Migration Act 1958, the Australian government has the authority to set and adjust visa fees, and this amendment aligns with its international education strategy.

Conclusion

These changes will ease financial barriers for students from the Pacific region and Timor-Leste, providing direct fee reductions instead of a complex refund system.

For all other applicants, visa fees remain unchanged, as does, seemingly, the level of scrutiny in processing student visa applications.