Australia hikes student visa fee to AUD 2,000: List of major study abroad destinations and their visa costs

Indian Express

3 days ago

Australia has increased the student visa application fee for Subclass 500, from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, effective 1 July 2025, making it the highest among major English-language study destinations. According to Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, the hike is expected to generate AUD 760 million over four years.
University of Western Australia to launch its first global campuses in Chennai and Mumbai
According to reports, the government emphasised that it is part of a broader strategy to manage the booming international education sector sustainably. Here's a country-wise table of student visa fee hikes since September 2024:
–Australia's 25% increase contrasts with smaller or no fee rises elsewhere.
–UK student visa fees rose about 7% from £490 to £524 from April 2025.
–US non-immigrant student visa (F/M/J) fee increased from $160 to $185 on 17 June 2023.
–Notably, Canada, Germany, and France have not significantly changed student visa fees since September 2024.
Here's a more in-depth, country-by-country breakdown of visa requirements and financial proof needed.
NEET UG 2025 Result: Getting a seat in India seems difficult? Here's how to choose the right medical college abroad
Australia
With the visa fee now AUD 2,000 (approx Rs 112,000), Australia also requires students to maintain AUD 21,041 in living expenses in a bank account, plus course tuition and travel costs. The fee hike accompanies stricter enrollment caps and sustainability measures, significantly increasing the upfront cost for students.
United Kingdom
From 9 April 2025, the UK increased its main student visa (Tier 4 / Student Route) fee to £524 (approx Rs 52,400). Additionally, maintenance funds were updated: £1,483/month in London and £1,136/month elsewhere, requiring students to show between £11,360–£17,796 depending on program length.
'Studying abroad opened doors I never imagined,' says student at UK's Manchester Metropolitan University
Canada
Canada's study permit fee remains C$150 (approximately Rs 9,500), with no recent hikes. Canada also requires demonstrating C$10,000 (or CAD 11,000 in Quebec) in bank balance to cover living costs—notably lower visa costs make Canada more budget‑friendly.
'India is the most exciting place for global higher education': University of York VC on launching Mumbai campus
United States
The US charges a visa fee of US$185 (approximately Rs 15,355). In addition, all F/M/J visa applicants must pay a SEVIS I‑901 fee: US$350 (approximately Rs 29,050) ice.gov. Funds proof varies by school, but students normally need to show enough to cover one year's tuition (e.g., US$20,000–30,000) plus living expenses (approx US$10,000–12,000).
Germany
The visa fee for a German student visa is €75, which must be paid in Indian Rupees (Rs 7,537.50) at the current exchange rate determined by the respective German Consulate or Embassy.
France
France generally charges no visa fee or a modest €50 consular charge. Students must demonstrate €615/month (Rs 52,000), totaling about €7,380 (approximately Rs 6.15 lakh) annually, depending on university requirements.
Harvard advises international students to avoid Boston Logan airport amid heightened US border scrutiny: Report
These fee increases, especially Australia's steep hike, will place additional financial burdens on international students. Australia's outing now makes it the most expensive major destination; while countries like Canada, Germany, and France remain comparatively affordable, rising costs in the UK and US further narrow options. This trend risks discouraging prospective students, especially from countries like India, potentially affecting global talent mobility, diversity in universities, and long-term soft-power stance.