Australia News
Australia, as it happens
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.
4 Oct 2026
Australia Student Visa Dependent Family Restrictions Take Effect, Most Students Excluded
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
Australia Strengthens Course Transfer Rules to Block Student Visa Hopping
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's Economy Withstands Major Immigration Reduction – Implications for Australia
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
Australian Government Faces Controversy as Private Education Providers Offer Special Discounts Ahead of Visa-Abused Management Diploma Closure
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
Australia Immigrant Remittances of $35 Billion Spark Economic Impact Debate
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
Australia's Cash Rate Expected to Rise to 4.6%, Average $1,440 Annual Additional Burden
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.
23 Sep 2026
Australia Introduces Lottery System for Working Holiday Second and Third Year Visas, Restricts Student Family Accompaniment
The Australian government has announced immigration policy changes including converting working holiday visa extensions to a lottery system and restricting students' ability to bring family members. Starting late 2026, only 45,000 second-year and 5,000 third-year applicants will be selected by lottery, while student and graduate visa holders will be unable to add new family members.
23 Sep 2026
Per Capita GDP Nearly Unchanged Despite Migration Reduction — Australian Treasury Report
According to the Intergenerational Report (IGR) released by Treasury, even if net overseas migration falls to 185,000 annually over the next 40 years, per capita GDP in 2066 would decrease by only $400 compared to the baseline scenario. Conversely, if migration increases to 285,000 annually, gross national income (GNI) per capita would rise by only $100. However, experts warned that reduced migration would increase fiscal burdens for supporting an aging population, forcing the government to make difficult choices.
