INTERNATIONAL students crippled by a spate of college foreclosures this year will be exempt from paying $540 visa fees to stay on in Australia as the country resets its immigration intake to attract the people it needs.
From January 1, the Government will waive fees for as many as 4700 students reapplying to study at new institutions after 12 colleges collapsed.
In an announcement expected today, the Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, will say the Government is ensuring the wellbeing of students hurt by the unexpected closures.
Last week, the Chinese-owned Meridian International left thousands of students in Melbourne and Sydney looking for new courses or refunds.
"Where an education provider can no longer offer a course, the Government's primary concern is the welfare of the student," Senator Evans says. "We understand that these situations are not the fault of the student.''
At the same time, the Government will raise the amount of savings international students need to demonstrate they can afford life in Australia. From next year, prospective overseas students must show they can access at least $18,000 a year, on top of tuition fees, up from $12,000.
For more information, visit:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/visa-fees-rejigged-for-students-20091108-i3k3.html