‘Unaffordable’ visa price hike threatens Australia’s researcher pipeline
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An increase in the price of an Australian visa might make it more difficult for graduates to stay in the nation after they complete their degree.Credit: Bianca De Marchi /AAP/Alamy
University and postgraduate groups in Australia are urging their government to exempt PhD graduates from the surprise doubling of a key visa fee, warning that the price increase will drive international research talent away.
On 1 March, the Australian Department of Home Affairs said that the fee charged for higher-education temporary graduate visas (a category called subclass 485) would double with immediate effect, from Aus$2,300 (around US$1,600) to Aus$4,600.
The visa allows international students who have graduated from Australian universities less than six months previously to remain in the nation for a few years (usually two or three depending on the type of qualification they receive) after completing their degrees. It lets graduates either continue their studies or find work and can serve as a bridge for those transitioning from PhD programmes to postdoctoral positions or into other research careers.
On 10 March, the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) wrote to Tony Burke, the home affairs minister, arguing that the increased fee risks cutting off Australia’s “critical pipeline” of foreign research talent. The organization called on the government to exempt people who are completing research-based master’s or PhD degrees from the price hike. For PhD students who would like to stay in Australia after graduating, this visa is, on average, the equivalent of 13% of their yearly stipend. PhD students already cite cost of living as their biggest concern, CAPA said. “Doubling the cost of their ticket into early-career research … will turn the talent elsewhere,” said the organization.
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