Australian student visa fees waived for those affected by closures

November 09 2009 by Liam Clifford

Australia's popularity with students continues as those caught up with college closures are told they will not have to pay application costs.

The Australian Government has announced it will waive the Australian visa application fees for foreigners impacted by a recent spate of college closures.

As many as 4,700 students will benefit from the waiver being introduced from 1 January 2010. These students are being forced to reapply for their places to study in Australia after 12 colleges closed.

Australian immigration minister Chris Evans says, "where an education provider can no longer offer a course, the government's primary concern is the welfare of the student. We understand that these situations are not the fault of the student.''

However, Evans is also increasing the amount of money student applying for Australian visas must have in their accounts to be accepted to study in Australia from $12,000 to $18,000.

He explained, "International students can supplement their income through part-time work in Australia but the primary purpose of a Australian student visa is to study and students should not rely on part-time work to meet their expenses.”

Australia is still proving to be one of the most popular places to study among the international student community. The number of foreign students living in Australia has increased by 20 per cent in the year to the end of June 2009.

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