Student Visa Fee Hike: Australia Raises Cost by 25%

In a significant policy move, the Australian government has announced a 25% increase in international student visa fees, with the base charge set to rise from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, effective 1 July 2025. This adjustment will make Australia’s student visa among the most expensive in the world.

The fee hike applies to Subclass 500 (Student) and Subclass 590 (Student Guardian) visa applicants. Additional applicants aged 18 or over will continue to pay AUD 1,225, while those under 18 will pay AUD 400. A subsequent temporary application charge of AUD 700 will still apply for onshore applicants. However, citizens of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste are exempt from the increase.

This change follows last year's dramatic fee jump from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, indicating the government’s strategic push to manage migration levels and ensure quality in the international education sector. The Labor government anticipates the new structure will generate approximately AUD 760 million over four years.

Stakeholders in the education sector, including universities and English-language institutions, have raised concerns about the financial burden on students and potential declines in enrollment. Several language schools have already reported closures due to earlier fee hikes.

While the government defends the move as part of a broader reform agenda to curb net migration and housing pressures, critics argue it may deter high-quality students and harm Australia’s global reputation in education.

With the implementation approaching in July 2025, prospective students are urged to plan their applications and finances accordingly.