Statement on Visa Fee Increases for International Students

On July 1, the government quietly increased prices on student visas – yet another hurdle placed in front of international students who want to contribute to our university communities. This latest hike is a further example of the government’s ongoing hostility toward international students.

This latest hike is a further example of the government’s ongoing hostility toward international students. Of particular concern is the $50 increase to ELICOS, bringing its cost to $2,050. Because ELICOS exists specifically to support students building their English language proficiency, any increase to it disadvantages ESL students further than their EFL-background peers – a targeted insult to non-English-speaking students and the countries they come from.

This increase is especially disappointing given the cost-of-living pressures that international postgraduate students are already facing. Rather than supporting these students, the government has chosen to make their path even harder.

We know that 51% of all pantry and fruit and veg market users in Trimester 1 were international students, highlighting the importance of those services. We will continue to provide tangible cost-of-living relief support to students and advocate for more services as the need no doubt increases.  

As Trimester 2 starts, we remain committed to supporting postgraduate students through ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Our food support initiatives, including the Student Pantry and fresh food programs, are available to eligible postgraduate students to help ease financial pressure while they focus on their studies.

We stand with Griffith’s international students.

They are a vital and valued part of our university community, and they deserve better.  

If you’re doing it tough this trimester, we encourage you to access these services and reach out for support.