Fresh data released on 19 February 2026 show that enrolments in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) have fallen to their lowest level since 2005. Providers cite the non-refundable AU$2,000 student-visa application charge—introduced in July 2025—as the chief culprit, pushing total upfront costs to unaffordable levels for many short-course candidates.
Private language colleges report refusal rates nudging 25 %, and industry body English Australia estimates between 5,000 and 9,000 full-time jobs lost across the sector. Institutions say price-sensitive applicants are shifting to Canada, Ireland and Malta.
Prospective students who remain committed to studying in Australia can ease at least the paperwork hurdle by using VisaHQ, an online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) that clarifies requirements, reviews documentation, and submits applications directly to the Department of Home Affairs. By guiding applicants through fee structures and eligibility checks, VisaHQ can help maximise approval chances even in today’s higher-cost environment.
![AU$2,000 student-visa fee blamed for 20-year low in English-language enrolments]()
The downturn reverberates through the mobility ecosystem: ELICOS courses often act as feeders into university programs and skilled-migration pathways. Fewer completions could therefore shrink Australia’s long-term talent pool just as employers plan for post-pandemic growth.
Providers are lobbying for a tiered visa-fee system based on course length, or for partial refunds where applications are refused. The Albanese Government is reviewing options ahead of the May Budget but has given no indication of an imminent reversal.
Multinational companies that rely on in-country English training are being advised to budget for offshore courses or hybrid online models until clarity returns.
Private language colleges report refusal rates nudging 25 %, and industry body English Australia estimates between 5,000 and 9,000 full-time jobs lost across the sector. Institutions say price-sensitive applicants are shifting to Canada, Ireland and Malta.
Prospective students who remain committed to studying in Australia can ease at least the paperwork hurdle by using VisaHQ, an online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) that clarifies requirements, reviews documentation, and submits applications directly to the Department of Home Affairs. By guiding applicants through fee structures and eligibility checks, VisaHQ can help maximise approval chances even in today’s higher-cost environment.
The downturn reverberates through the mobility ecosystem: ELICOS courses often act as feeders into university programs and skilled-migration pathways. Fewer completions could therefore shrink Australia’s long-term talent pool just as employers plan for post-pandemic growth.
Providers are lobbying for a tiered visa-fee system based on course length, or for partial refunds where applications are refused. The Albanese Government is reviewing options ahead of the May Budget but has given no indication of an imminent reversal.
Multinational companies that rely on in-country English training are being advised to budget for offshore courses or hybrid online models until clarity returns.
