Australia News
From visa policy changes to university news and the cost of living: updates that matter to anyone planning study or migration, reported directly from our local offices.
12 Oct 2026
The Coalition's plan to abolish post-graduate visas has been flagged as potentially violating the free trade agreement the Morrison government signed with India. The International Education Association warned that this policy could hinder Australia's ability to secure skilled workers.
12 Oct 2026
Australian regional universities are experiencing severe recruitment difficulties, failing to fill even half of their allocated international student quotas. According to the Department of Education's October figures, the overall university average enrollment rate was only 67%, with just five metropolitan institutions achieving over 80% capacity. Analysis indicates that visa rejection rates for South Asian applicants reach 53%, while visa application fees increased to $2,500, leading growing numbers of students to abandon applications altogether.
4 Oct 2026
The Australian government implemented student visa dependent family restrictions from October 2. Only PhD students, government scholarship recipients, and students from ASEAN and Pacific island nations are exempt. Applying for additional dependents after visa application is prohibited. Switching from higher education to vocational education is also banned.
4 Oct 2026
The Australian government has announced rules requiring international students to apply for separate visas when changing courses to prevent frequent visa switching. From July 2027, course transfers will no longer extend visa validity.
4 Oct 2026
Canada implemented a policy reducing the temporary immigrant share from 7.6% to 5%, causing annual population growth to plunge from 3.1% to 0.5%. The CD Howe Institute projected 2026 real GDP growth at just 0.5%, but economists characterized this as "an economy adjusting, not collapsing." Australia differs from Canada with smaller post-pandemic population increases and a tight labor market with 4.6% unemployment, making direct comparisons difficult.
27 Sep 2026
Private education providers are offering discounts and fast-track enrollment to students seeking to register for the graduate diploma of management program before its October 5 closure date, sparking controversy. The Australian federal government decided to abolish the program, determining it was being exploited as a means for "non-genuine" students to extend their stay.
27 Sep 2026
Australian immigrants sent $35 billion to their home countries in 2024, sparking debate over economic outflow. Critics worry about reduced domestic spending, but economists counter that immigrants' tax contributions and economic activity far exceed remittance amounts.
27 Sep 2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected with 80-90% probability to raise the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.6% on the 30th. Average mortgage holders will face an additional $1,440 in annual interest, while NSW average borrowers will see an increase of $1,656 per year.
