New Delhi, May 1, 2025 — Indian students planning to study in Australia may soon have to shell out more than ₹1 lakh in visa fees, as the Australian government is reportedly considering a significant hike in student visa application charges. This development has sparked widespread concern among prospective students and education consultants alike.

Currently, the Australian student visa (subclass 500) application fee stands at AUD 710 (approximately ₹39,000). However, proposed policy changes could see this fee increase substantially — potentially doubling in a move aimed at managing international student intake and funding immigration infrastructure.

Impact on Indian Students
India is one of the largest source countries for international students in Australia, with over 120,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions as of 2024. A sharp rise in visa fees could pose a financial burden on aspiring students and their families, many of whom already grapple with soaring tuition and living expenses.
"Australia remains a top destination for Indian students, but the rising costs could force many to reconsider their options," said Ramesh Jain, Director at Global EduPath, a New Delhi-based overseas education consultancy.

Government Justification and Backlash
Australian officials argue that the proposed fee hike is intended to better align visa costs with the actual expenses of processing and managing the influx of international applicants. However, critics warn that the move may discourage high-quality applicants and negatively impact Australia's global reputation as an accessible and welcoming education destination.

Call for Clarity
Indian education stakeholders are urging both governments to engage in dialogue and provide greater clarity around the proposed changes. Students currently preparing for July and September 2025 intakes are advised to stay updated through official immigration channels and consult with authorized visa agents.

What’s Next?
While no formal announcement has been made regarding the exact timeline or revised fee structure, updates are expected in the coming weeks as the Australian government finalizes its international education policy reforms.

For students and families planning to apply soon, early action and professional guidance are strongly recommended.

Contact Information:
[Manish Srivastava]
[Director]
Apical Immigration Experts
Mobile: +91-9999 467676
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.immigrationxperts.com