Australia Raises Student Visa Fee to AUD 2,000, Highest Among Major Study Destinations
Australia has increased its student visa application fee to AUD 2,000, making it the highest among major English-speaking study destinations.
The increase marks the latest step in a series of changes to Australia's international education and migration policies. The fee for the Subclass 500 student visa stood at AUD 710 in 2023 before rising to AUD 1,600 in July 2024. Following the latest adjustment, introduced in July 2025, applicants must now pay AUD 2,000.
Australia's student visa fee now exceeds those charged by several competing destinations. The United Kingdom charges £524 for a student visa, while the United States charges US$185, Canada CAD 150 and New Zealand NZD 850.
The government has also introduced additional restrictions affecting prospective international students. Several categories of temporary visa holders, including those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor and Maritime Crew visas, can no longer apply for student visas while remaining in Australia.
Individuals seeking to move into the student visa category must now leave the country and submit their applications from overseas. Changes have also been made to post-study work arrangements.
The maximum age for eligibility under the Temporary Graduate Visa has been reduced from 50 to 35 years, limiting access to post-study employment opportunities for older graduates. Australian authorities say the measures are intended to manage migration levels and strengthen the integrity of the student visa system.
Recent reforms have included stricter English language requirements, increased scrutiny of enrolments and tighter controls on visa switching between categories.
The changes are expected to affect international students from countries including India, one of Australia's largest student source markets.
Prospective students will face higher upfront costs and may encounter more demanding visa requirements, while post-graduation pathways have become more limited.
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