Perth International College of English Closes Amid Visa Fee Hikes and Declining Enrolments

Photo: pice.com

After over 25 years in operation, the Perth International College of English (PICE) has closed its doors, citing soaring student visa fees and high visa refusal rates as the primary causes.

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) confirmed that PICE was officially placed into liquidation and ceased operations on June 16. The agency is now working to assist international students affected by the closure.

PICE, a respected member of the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) sector and a longtime member of English Australia, struggled to remain financially viable in the face of mounting pressures.

Ian Aird, CEO of English Australia, said, “Despite PICE’s exemplary reputation for quality, the increase in the student visa fee to $1,600, record-high refusal rates over the past 18 months, and ongoing visa processing delays made it impossible for the college to maintain sustainable enrolment levels.”

PICE was led by director John Paxton since its founding in 2002. Over the years, Paxton and his team welcomed and taught tens of thousands of students from around the world. Paxton also served as a board member of English Australia for over 12 years, representing the ELICOS sector in Western Australia.

“John and the PICE team have been vital to our community for two decades,” Aird said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss.”

English Australia is working alongside PICE, the TPS, and other stakeholders to support students affected by the closure, including holding an information session on the former PICE campus.

The closure of PICE follows similar shutdowns of other ELICOS providers, including IH Sydney and The Language Academy—both citing the 2024 visa fee increases and financial strain as key factors. The sector has been hit hard, with some providers reporting a 50% drop in English language student enrolments.

Aird also extended his sympathies to colleagues across the sector who have recently lost their jobs, encouraging education stakeholders to support one another during this difficult period.

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