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.
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:
Country-wise list of student visa amounts (Source- Respective immigration websites)
What are the major changes?
–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.
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Here’s a more in-depth, country-by-country breakdown of visa requirements and financial proof needed.
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.
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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.
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
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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.
Additional financial burden may discourage more students from pursuing degrees abroad
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.
