Key Takeaways
• Perth International College of English closed on June 16, 2025, due to rising visa fees and refusal rates.
• The Australian government’s Tuition Protection Service assists affected international students with transfers or refunds.
• Sheridans Chartered Accountants manage the college’s liquidation process after financial pressures forced closure.
The sudden closure of Perth International College of English (PICE) on June 16, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the international education community in Australia 🇦🇺. This well-known language school, which had served students from around the world for over 22 years, ceased operations after facing mounting financial pressure. The main reasons behind this closure were recent increases in student visa fees and a sharp rise in visa refusal rates. The college has now entered liquidation, with Sheridans Chartered Accountants appointed to manage the process.
This development has left hundreds of international students, staff, and the local Perth community grappling with uncertainty. The Tuition Protection Service (TPS), run by the Australian government, has stepped in to help affected students. The closure of PICE is not just a local issue—it highlights broader challenges facing Australia’s international education sector, especially as visa policies become stricter and more expensive.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what steps affected students and staff can take next.
What Happened at Perth International College of English?
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Perth International College of English closed its doors for the last time. The college, located in the heart of Perth, had built a strong reputation for providing high-quality English language courses to students from across the globe. For more than two decades, it was a trusted choice for those looking to improve their English skills and experience life in Australia 🇦🇺.
However, in recent months, the college faced growing financial problems. Two main factors contributed to this crisis:
- Increased student visa fees: The cost for international students to apply for a visa to study in Australia 🇦🇺 has gone up. This made it harder for many students to afford studying in the country.
- High visa refusal rates: More students are having their visa applications rejected. This means fewer students are able to attend colleges like PICE, leading to lower enrollment and less income for the school.
With fewer students able to enroll and rising costs, the college could no longer stay afloat. On June 16, the decision was made to stop trading, and the college was placed into liquidation. Sheridans Chartered Accountants is now handling the financial side of the closure, including paying creditors and managing any remaining assets.
Why Did the College Close? The Role of Visa Fees and Refusals
The closure of Perth International College of English is directly linked to changes in Australia’s visa policies. Here’s how these changes affected the college:
1. Rising Student Visa Fees
Student visa fees are the charges international students must pay to apply for permission to study in Australia 🇦🇺. Over the past year, these fees have increased significantly. For many students, especially those from countries with weaker currencies or lower incomes, these higher costs can be a major barrier.
When visa fees go up:
– Fewer students can afford to apply.
– Some students may choose to study in other countries with lower fees.
– Colleges that rely on international students, like PICE, see a drop in new enrollments.
2. Higher Visa Refusal Rates
Visa refusal rates refer to the percentage of student visa applications that are denied by the government. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in refusals. This can happen for several reasons, such as stricter checks on financial documents, concerns about students’ intentions, or changes in government policy.
When more visas are refused:
– Fewer students are able to start their courses.
– Colleges receive less tuition income.
– Financial pressure builds, especially for smaller or independent schools.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, these two factors—higher visa fees and more refusals—have created a “perfect storm” for many private colleges in Australia 🇦🇺. Without enough new students coming in, schools like PICE struggle to cover their costs and keep their doors open.
Who Is Affected by the Closure?
The closure of Perth International College of English has wide-reaching effects. Here’s a closer look at the main groups impacted:
1. International Students
For students, the closure is deeply worrying. Many have paid tuition fees, arranged accommodation, and made plans for their studies in Australia 🇦🇺. Now, they face uncertainty about their education and their future in the country.
Key concerns include:
– Finding a new school: Students must look for alternative colleges to continue their studies.
– Financial losses: Some may worry about losing tuition fees already paid.
– Visa status: Students need to make sure their visas remain valid if they transfer to another institution.
2. College Staff
Teachers, administrators, and support staff at PICE are also affected. With the college closed, many face sudden job loss and the challenge of finding new employment in a competitive market.
3. Local Economy and Community
International students contribute a lot to the local economy. They rent apartments, buy food, use public transport, and spend money in shops and restaurants. The closure of a college like PICE means fewer students in the city, which can hurt local businesses and reduce economic activity.
What Support Is Available for Affected Students?
The Australian government has a system in place to help students when a college closes unexpectedly. This is called the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
How Does the Tuition Protection Service Work?
The TPS is designed to protect international students if their education provider closes or cannot deliver their course. Here’s what it does:
- Helps students find a new course: The TPS will try to place affected students in a similar course at another college or university.
- Arranges refunds: If a student cannot be placed in a new course, the TPS will arrange for a refund of the unused portion of their tuition fees.
- Provides information and support: The TPS offers guidance on what steps to take and how to maintain visa status.
Students affected by the closure of Perth International College of English should contact the TPS as soon as possible. The official TPS website (www.education.gov.au/notices/tps) provides detailed information and contact details.
What Should Affected Students Do Next?
If you are a student affected by the closure of PICE, here are the steps you should take:
- Contact the Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
- Visit the official TPS website for instructions.
- Register your details and explain your situation.
- Gather Your Documents
- Collect your enrollment records, payment receipts, and any communication with the college.
- Keep copies of your visa and passport.
- Wait for Guidance
- The TPS will contact you with options for transferring to another institution or receiving a refund.
- Maintain Your Visa Status
- Make sure you follow all instructions from the TPS and the Department of Home Affairs to keep your visa valid.
- If you transfer to a new college, update your visa details as required.
- Seek Support
- If you need help, reach out to student support services, community organizations, or your country’s embassy in Australia 🇦🇺.
What Happens During Liquidation?
When a company or college goes into liquidation, it means it can no longer pay its debts and must close down. A liquidator, in this case Sheridans Chartered Accountants, is appointed to manage the process.
The liquidator’s job includes:
– Selling any remaining assets (such as furniture, computers, or property).
– Paying creditors (people or companies the college owes money to).
– Communicating with affected parties, including staff and students.
For students, the most important thing is to work with the TPS, as the liquidator’s main focus is on financial matters.
How Did We Get Here? Background on PICE and the International Education Sector
Perth International College of English was established over 22 years ago. It built a strong reputation for professionalism and quality, attracting students from many countries. The college offered a range of English language courses, helping students improve their language skills for work, study, or travel.
Australia 🇦🇺 has long been a popular destination for international students, thanks to its high-quality education system, safe cities, and welcoming culture. International education is also a major part of the Australian economy, bringing in billions of dollars each year.
However, the sector has faced growing challenges:
– Competition from other countries: Countries like Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand also attract international students.
– Changing visa policies: Stricter rules and higher fees can make it harder for students to choose Australia 🇦🇺.
– Economic pressures: Colleges that rely heavily on international students are vulnerable to changes in student numbers.
The closure of PICE is a sign that these challenges are having real effects on schools and students.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The closure of Perth International College of English raises important questions for the future of international education in Australia 🇦🇺:
1. For Students
- Will higher visa fees and stricter rules make Australia 🇦🇺 less attractive to international students?
- Will more students choose to study in other countries with lower costs and easier visa processes?
2. For Colleges and Universities
- How can schools adapt to changing visa policies and financial pressures?
- Will more colleges face closure if student numbers continue to fall?
3. For the Australian Economy
- International students contribute not just to education, but to tourism, housing, and local businesses.
- A decline in student numbers could have a ripple effect across many sectors.
4. For Policy Makers
- Is there a need to review visa fees and requirements to support the education sector?
- How can the government balance the need for strong border controls with the benefits of international education?
What Do Experts Say?
Education experts warn that rising visa fees and high refusal rates are making it harder for Australia 🇦🇺 to compete in the global education market. According to VisaVerge.com, these policy changes can discourage students from applying, leading to financial problems for colleges that rely on international enrollment.
Experts suggest that the government may need to review its visa policies to ensure they support both the education sector and the wider economy. They also highlight the importance of clear communication and support for affected students.
What’s Next for International Education in Australia?
The closure of Perth International College of English is a wake-up call for the sector. While the government has not announced any immediate policy changes in response, there is growing pressure to review visa fees and requirements.
Possible future developments include:
– Policy reviews: The government may look at ways to make visa fees more affordable and reduce unnecessary refusals.
– Support for colleges: More support may be needed for smaller colleges that rely on international students.
– Better communication: Clearer information for students about their rights and options if a college closes.
For now, students and staff affected by the closure should focus on using the support available through the Tuition Protection Service and other official channels.
Where Can You Find More Information?
If you have been affected by the closure of Perth International College of English, or if you want to learn more about your options, here are some useful resources:
- Tuition Protection Service (TPS): www.education.gov.au/notices/tps
- Australian Government Department of Education: www.education.gov.au
- Perth International College of English website: www.pice.com.au (Note: The website may not be updated after the closure)
For official information about student visas, including fees and application requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Final Thoughts and Practical Steps
The closure of Perth International College of English is a difficult moment for many students, staff, and the wider community. It shows how changes in visa fees and policies can have real, immediate effects on people’s lives and on the education sector as a whole.
If you are affected:
– Act quickly: Contact the Tuition Protection Service and gather your documents.
– Stay informed: Follow updates from official government sources.
– Seek help: Don’t hesitate to ask for support from student groups, community organizations, or your embassy.
As Australia 🇦🇺 considers the future of its international education sector, the experiences of students and colleges like PICE will be an important part of the conversation. Policymakers, educators, and students alike will need to work together to ensure that Australia 🇦🇺 remains a welcoming and accessible destination for learners from around the world.
Learn Today
Tuition Protection Service (TPS) → An Australian government program protecting students if their education provider closes unexpectedly.
Student Visa Fees → Charges international students pay to apply for permission to study in Australia.
Visa Refusal Rates → The percentage of student visa applications denied by the Australian government.
Liquidation → A legal process where a company closes, selling assets to pay debts.
Sheridans Chartered Accountants → The firm appointed to manage PICE’s financial liquidation process.
This Article in a Nutshell
Perth International College of English closed in June 2025 due to higher visa fees and refusals. Hundreds of international students face uncertainty. The government’s Tuition Protection Service helps with transfers and tuition refunds. This closure highlights challenges in Australia’s international education amid stricter visa policies and financial pressure.
— By VisaVerge.com
