Last night (9 May 2023), the Australian Government revealed the new federal budget for 2023-24. From the cost-of-living crisis to skilled visa updates, there’s a lot to unpack – which is where we come in.
Below, we take a look at the five most important takeaways from the federal budget 2023 for international students in Australia.
1. No working hour cap for international students in the aged care sector in 2023
Earlier this year, we learned that the working hour limit for international students would be reinstated at a higher cap of 48 hours per fortnight as of 1 July 2023.
However, if you’re an international student working in the aged care sector, this doesn’t apply to you.
The federal budget 2023 has revealed that international students working in aged care will be exempt from the working hour restriction for the rest of the year. This means they can work unlimited hours until 31 December 2023.
It wasn’t specified if the 48-hour-per-fortnight limit would apply to international students working in aged care from 1 January 2024. Insider Guides will be providing updates as the situation evolves.
@insiderguides It’s budget season! Let’s break down some of the most important takeaways for international students from the federal budget 2023-24 💰 #federalbudget #federalbudget2023 #federalbudgetaustralia #auspol #ausgov #internationalstudents #internationalstudentinaustralia ♬ Summer day – TimTaj
2. Increased visa application costs
The budget has also set out an increase in visa application charges (VACs) for a range of visas, including Student (subclass 500) visas, Visitor (subclass 600) visas and Working Holiday/Work and Holiday (subclasses 417 and 462) visas.
From 1 July 2023, the costs for these visa applications will be:
- Student (subclass 500) visa: A$715 (previously $650)
- Visitor (subclass 600) visa: A$190 (previously $150)
- Working Holiday/Work and Holiday (subclass 417 and 462) visa: A$640 (previously $510)
3. Cost of living relief
Between sky-high inflation and an ever-fierce rental market, Australia is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis. While there are strategies people can use to manage it themselves, there have long been calls for government aid.
The government responded with a $14.6 billion cost-of-living relief package.
While the package includes several measures, the most relevant to international students in Australia include the promise to build more homes and to keep wages moving.
Because housing supply is such an issue in Australia at the moment – one factor contributing to the country’s rental crisis – the government has committed to building one million new homes across the country from 2024.
Boosting wages is another important measure for relieving the cost-of-living pressures. That’s why the government announced pay rises for low-paid workers and many workers in the aged care sector. Learn more about the pay rise for aged care workers here.
Read more: Inside Australia’s Rental Crisis: The Latest Updates You Need to Know
4. Skilled migration updates
The federal budget has also listed some significant changes to Australia’s migration system, particularly its skilled migration program.
According to the budget documents, this will involve providing faster pathways to permanent residency for skilled graduates. To do this, the government plans to create simpler pathways for international students going on to graduate visas. Applicants will therefore spend less time on bridging visas waiting for their substantive visas to be processed.
Post-study work rights will also be extended for many international graduates from 1 July 2023, specifically those qualified in in-demand sectors.
5. Investment in Australia’s healthcare system
Health care and social assistance is Australia’s largest employing sector. As such, it’s a top investment priority in the federal budget 2023.
One of these investments includes $31.6 million over two years for improved training arrangements for international medical students, specifically those working in rural and remote areas.
Learn more about the federal budget 2023
If you’re eager to explore the budget in more detail, check out The Guardian’s interactive tool that allows you to learn more about the budget updates most relevant to you. Simply select the categories that apply to your situation and the tags that interest you, and the tool will generate a comprehensive list of the changes you need to know about.
