No Result
View All Result
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES
  • Login
Thursday, October 2, 2025
TheAdviserMagazine.com
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
No Result
View All Result
TheAdviserMagazine.com
No Result
View All Result
Home College

Julian Hill responds to sector concerns on visa costs and onshore transfers

by TheAdviserMagazine
2 months ago
in College
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
Julian Hill responds to sector concerns on visa costs and onshore transfers
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LInkedIn


Hill’s portfolio is a new one for Australia, added to his duties as assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs. But he is no stranger to international education, having co-chaired the Parliamentary Friends of International Education and engaged closely with the sector during his political career.

There is a clear sense that Hill wants to listen to the sector’s frustrations – many of which were on full display at the recent The PIE Live Asia Pacific conference, where providers and stakeholders voiced concerns about visa refusals, visa fee hikes, lagging enrolments in certain parts of the sector, and unintended consequences of a potential ban on onshore agent commissions.

“There is no perfect way to manage onshore transfers. A perfectly functioning market will always have some level of friction,” said Hill, when asked if such a ban on onshore agent commission could be on the cards, during a webinar hosted by The PIE News.

“Some transfers are perfectly healthy… Sometimes students make the wrong choice – they’re young people,” he said. Circumstances change, a provider may not be the right fit, or a student may need to move cities. It’s a point some stakeholders have long made in arguing that there is a place for some onshore commission – a view Hill appears to share.

“There should be a certain level of transfer. It’s a consumer protection element as well to keep providers focused on offering quality experience that the consumer has some ability to change,” he said.

However, what the government is seeing in parts of the sector is “a level of transfers onshore that is concerning and that raises integrity questions”.

Despite the June 2023 ban on ‘concurrent enrolment’ – a loophole that had allowed newly arrived international students to to switch to cheaper providers shortly after arriving in the country – Hill said the government is still investigating unhealthy patterns.

The assistant minister, who stressed he is open to feedback from the sector, said there is a “spectrum of options” that could address the issue.

Some have suggested Australia could follow neighbouring New Zealand’s new model, requiring students to apply for a new visa when changing providers or lowering their level of study. A more “extreme” option would be a requirement for students to leave the country to apply for a new visa.

Others in the sector have floated the idea of a transfer commissions mechanism to “at least give pause for cause and give better insights into the data flows”, explained Hill.

Meanwhile, he reminded webinar viewers that students already need a new visa is going from higher level or provider to a lower one – but admits that hasn’t always been enforced.

In his conversation with The PIE, Hill was keen to assert the important role agents play in Australia’s international education ecosystem. “There are so many agents who give wonderful service, and care about the students and are passionate about getting the student to the right institution. But there’s obviously a distinction between offshore activity and onshore activity.”

The conversation comes weeks after the Australian government announced an increase to its National Planning Level for 2026 – currently set at 270,000 new international student places. This will increase to 295,000 next year, in what has been described as a “de facto cap” on international enrolments.

According to Hill, the government “inherited a mess,” claiming that integrity measures taken during Labor’s first term were necessary because “growth was expanding at an unsustainable rate, particularly in the less reputable parts of the sector”.

“Now that growth has returned to a sustainable level, we’ve been able to announce an increase in the number of students that we’d like to see commencing in Australia next year, with some of that growth coupled with new student housing and market diversification,” he added.

The government is confident it is on track to hit its targets, but Hill admitted there have been “ups and downs”, particularly with lower-than-expected enrolments in VET and ELICOS.

Stakeholders in the ELICOS sector have been vocal about the devastating impact of visa fee hikes on the sector. Responding to this, Hill defended the cost of Australia’s study visa fee – the most expensive in the world at AUD $2,000. This cost, he said, is a “very small proportion” of studying in Australia when all expenses are considered – tuition fees, living costs, and other contributions.

Historically, Australia has always had a visa fee that is somewhat higher than the global average – that’s been part of our positioning and that will continueJulian Hill, assistant minister for international education

“Historically, Australia has always had a visa fee that is somewhat higher than the global average – that’s been part of our positioning and that will continue,” he said.

And although he acknowledges the strong feedback coming from ELICOS and study abroad providers that visa fee hikes are having a disproportionate impact on their enrolments, Hill suggests it is not the only factor at play.

“The correlation between a reduction in offshore student numbers was not actually with the first increase to the visa fee… the correlation with the more significant drop in student numbers was when we tightened up the visa integrity settings because of some of the behaviour we were seeing from certain markets,” he said.

Despite this, he sought to assure stakeholders tuned in to the live broadcast that the government is taking their feedback seriously. “I’ve asked the department to prepare options for government to look at… we are listening,” he said.

Sector leaders, previously speaking to The PIE on the issue, were optimistic that lobbying efforts may soon bring relief in the shape of a significant reduction for certain cohorts of short-term students.

As some stakeholders say Ministerial Direction 111 has eased visa refusals, others continue to raise concerns about arbitrary decisions.

Hill encouraged stakeholders to share any concerning patterns in refusals with the Department of Home Affairs directly or with their peak body. “I’ve asked the department to be a bit more available to look at sensible providers and sensible patterns,” he said.

“With the advent of AI, we’re seeing, unfortunately, parts of the world flooding the system with what appear to be, and what have proven to be, fraudulent documents.”

Hill reinforced that any changes are driven by data and patterns of misuse, including overstaying of visas or moving between visas and then making protection claims. “That is not sustainable for the country, and that is what is driving a lot of this rebalancing and integrity of the visa system,” he said.

“The government looks at risk for overstaying the visa and and risk of taking an unmeritorious protection claim. Our risk appetite for these things when you look at the abuse of the protection visa system in Australia is exceptionally low,” noted Hill.

Elsewhere, strengthening the sector’s social licence with the Australian public sits high on Hill’s agenda. For Hill, building the reputation of the international education industry is key to its long-term sustainability, with a positive student experience also central to Australia’s future success.

“We should value the fact that young people choose to come to our country, live in our cities and regions during formative years, and make that contribution,” he said.

The PIE’s interview with The Hon Julian Hill MP is available to view on demand.



Source link

Tags: ConcernsCostsHillJulianOnshorerespondssectortransfersVisa
ShareTweetShare
Previous Post

AI’s Most Exciting Phase Is Just Getting Started

Next Post

Novo Nordisk slashes price of Ozempic in half to $499 for cash-paying, eligible U.S. patients

Related Posts

edit post
HHS moves to cut Harvard off from all federal grants and contracts

HHS moves to cut Harvard off from all federal grants and contracts

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 1, 2025
0

Listen to the article 4 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Dive Brief:...

edit post
A Student’s Guide to Success: Six Strategies to Reduce Team Conflict – Faculty Focus

A Student’s Guide to Success: Six Strategies to Reduce Team Conflict – Faculty Focus

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 1, 2025
0

Working as a successful team member remains one of the most important skills that employers report that they want when...

edit post
Sector hits back at Labour’s international fee levy

Sector hits back at Labour’s international fee levy

by TheAdviserMagazine
September 30, 2025
0

Rather than providing new opportunities for disadvantaged British students, sector voices have suggested the policy will have the reverse effect...

edit post
Eric Brown | The EDU Ledger

Eric Brown | The EDU Ledger

by TheAdviserMagazine
September 30, 2025
0

Dr. Eric BrownEric Brown has been named president and chief executive officer at Denmark Technical College.  Brown has held key...

edit post
Texas Tech orders colleges to align instruction with Trump administration’s gender views

Texas Tech orders colleges to align instruction with Trump administration’s gender views

by TheAdviserMagazine
September 29, 2025
0

Listen to the article 4 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Dive Brief:...

edit post
What I Learned From My Worst Interview Ever

What I Learned From My Worst Interview Ever

by TheAdviserMagazine
September 29, 2025
0

  by Joseph A. Brennan ldutko/Shutterstock Early in my career, I interviewed for what seemed like the perfect role at...

Next Post
edit post
Novo Nordisk slashes price of Ozempic in half to 9 for cash-paying, eligible U.S. patients

Novo Nordisk slashes price of Ozempic in half to $499 for cash-paying, eligible U.S. patients

edit post
What to expect when JM Smucker (SJM) reports Q1 2026 earnings results

What to expect when JM Smucker (SJM) reports Q1 2026 earnings results

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
edit post
What Happens If a Spouse Dies Without a Will in North Carolina?

What Happens If a Spouse Dies Without a Will in North Carolina?

September 14, 2025
edit post
California May Reimplement Mask Mandates

California May Reimplement Mask Mandates

September 5, 2025
edit post
Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in North Carolina?

Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in North Carolina?

September 8, 2025
edit post
Who Needs a Trust Instead of a Will in North Carolina?

Who Needs a Trust Instead of a Will in North Carolina?

September 1, 2025
edit post
DACA recipients no longer eligible for Marketplace health insurance and subsidies

DACA recipients no longer eligible for Marketplace health insurance and subsidies

September 11, 2025
edit post
‘Quiet luxury’ is coming for the housing market, The Corcoran Group CEO says. It’s not just the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami anymore

‘Quiet luxury’ is coming for the housing market, The Corcoran Group CEO says. It’s not just the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami anymore

September 9, 2025
edit post
Financial Selection and Investor Herding: Lessons from Evolutionary Biology

Financial Selection and Investor Herding: Lessons from Evolutionary Biology

0
edit post
Nuclear fusion was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI

Nuclear fusion was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI

0
edit post
Axos ONE Review – Best High-Yield Checking & Savings Bundle?

Axos ONE Review – Best High-Yield Checking & Savings Bundle?

0
edit post
Business Models Thriving in a Digital-First World

Business Models Thriving in a Digital-First World

0
edit post
Wound Therapy Devices Market Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Wound Therapy Devices Market Challenges & Growth Opportunities

0
edit post
What ‘Jobs’ Have You Given Money (That Shape How You Give Advice)?: Kitces & Carl Ep 174

What ‘Jobs’ Have You Given Money (That Shape How You Give Advice)?: Kitces & Carl Ep 174

0
edit post
Nuclear fusion was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI

Nuclear fusion was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI

October 2, 2025
edit post
Expert breaks down the 2025 tax changes retirees should know

Expert breaks down the 2025 tax changes retirees should know

October 2, 2025
edit post
Stay Out of the Doghouse: 9 Lessons for Smarter Finances

Stay Out of the Doghouse: 9 Lessons for Smarter Finances

October 2, 2025
edit post
Can BNB, Solana, and Dogecoin Prices Continue Climbing in October?

Can BNB, Solana, and Dogecoin Prices Continue Climbing in October?

October 2, 2025
edit post
Maximizing Your Savings Account Interest Rate: Top Strategies

Maximizing Your Savings Account Interest Rate: Top Strategies

October 2, 2025
edit post
Letting Markets Work: Urban Planning

Letting Markets Work: Urban Planning

October 2, 2025
The Adviser Magazine

The first and only national digital and print magazine that connects individuals, families, and businesses to Fee-Only financial advisers, accountants, attorneys and college guidance counselors.

CATEGORIES

  • 401k Plans
  • Business
  • College
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Economy
  • Estate Plans
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Legal
  • Market Analysis
  • Markets
  • Medicare
  • Money
  • Personal Finance
  • Social Security
  • Startups
  • Stock Market
  • Trading

LATEST UPDATES

  • Nuclear fusion was always 30 years away—now it’s a matter of when, not if, fusion comes online to power AI
  • Expert breaks down the 2025 tax changes retirees should know
  • Stay Out of the Doghouse: 9 Lessons for Smarter Finances
  • Our Great Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use, Legal Notices & Disclosures
  • Contact us
  • About Us

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.