Are you aware that traveling or studying in Australia will become more expensive? As of April 1, 2025, the Australian government has increased visa application fees by up to 13% across various categories, affecting Indian nationals who wish to study, work, or visit.
New Rate of Student Visas in Australia: For instance, the Student visa (subclass 500) currently costs approximately AUD 1,808 (Rs 96,800), up from AUD 1,600 (Rs 85,600).
New Rate of Visitor & Work Visas in Australia: Visitor and work visas have also increased similarly. A visitor visa that used to cost AUD 150 (Rs 8,030) now costs around AUD 169.50 (Rs 9,070), while a work visa that used to cost AUD 1,000 (Rs 53,530) now costs approximately AUD 1,130 (Rs 60,490).
New Rate of Temporary Work Visas in Australia
In February 2025, the government had already increased fees for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which gained popularity with international students finishing their studies in Australia.
- The minimum application charge for principal applicants rose from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235, a 15% rise.
- For further applicants above the age of 18, the charge is currently AUD 1,115.
- Below 18, it’s AUD 560.
The prices of various streams of the Temporary Graduate visa, such as the Post-Higher Education Workstream and the Post-Vocational Education Workstream, are the same.
The Second Post-Higher Education Workstream charges a reduced fee of AUD 880, while secondary applicants pay AUD 225 and AUD 440, depending on their age.
The Department of Home Affairs clearly stated that the changes were made to reflect inflation and the cost of processing visas.
Increased Tuition Fees in Australia
The Visa hike was not enough; Australia has increased the tuition fees for International students in 2025.
- The University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne have increased their fees by 7%.
- University of Melbourne engineering is now on offer for AUD 56,480 per year.
- Clinical Medicine courses are now costing up to AUD 112,832 per year.
Australia’s recent decision to double student visa fees—from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600—has sparked strong reactions from both students and education consultants. While the government says the increased revenue will support domestic education initiatives, industry experts warn it could drive international students to look beyond traditional destinations like Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada.
With rising operating costs and policy shifts, many are now considering alternative study destinations that offer better value and support. The world of international education is changing fast, and at RBS Intellect, we get that. If you’re thinking about studying abroad but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help.
Whether it’s choosing the right country, finding the right course, or exploring scholarships, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your study abroad journey smoother, smarter, and more affordable. Reach out to us today!