Australia Study Visa Fees Increased to 2000 Dollars Starting July 1, 2025
Hold onto your backpacks — the cost of studying in Australia just got a whole lot heavier. The Australian Government has officially increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee to a whopping AUD 2,000, effective 1 July 2025 — marking yet another dramatic leap in costs for international students eyeing Australia as their academic destination.
This 25% surge from the previous AUD 1,600 fee has caught students and education agents off guard, sparking debates on affordability, access, and fairness in global education markets.
Why the Massive Increase?
The move is part of Australia’s broader reforms aimed at reshaping international education pathways, cracking down on “non-genuine students,” and, frankly, boosting budget revenue. It follows a jaw-dropping increase in 2024, when the fee more than doubled from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. That’s a total increase of 247% in just five years.
While other visa subclasses such as skilled and partner visas only rose by 3% (CPI-aligned), the student visa has been singled out with steeper hikes. Critics argue this risks pricing out talent from emerging economies — while proponents claim it brings “integrity and sustainability” back into the international student system.
Australian Student Visa Fee Over the Past 5 Years
| Year | Visa Fee (AUD) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–2020 | 575 → 620 | +7.8% |
| 2020–2021 | 620 → ~710 | +14.5% (est.) |
| 2021–2022 | ~710 | Stable |
| 2022–2023 | ~710 → 1,600 | +125% |
| 2023–2025 | 1,600 → 2,000 | +25% |
Global Comparison: How Does Australia Stack Up?
- Australia: AUD 2,000 (~USD 1,330)
- USA (F-1 visa): USD 185
- Canada (Study Permit): CAD 150 (~USD 110)
- UK (Student visa): GBP 490 (~USD 620)
With this increase, Australia now holds the title of the most expensive student visa in the world.
Who’s Affected & What You Should Do?
If you’re planning to begin studies in Australia in late 2025 or early 2026, this fee applies to you. Here’s what you can do:
- Budget accordingly: Include the visa fee in your financial planning
- Check for scholarships: Some universities offer fee reimbursements or support.
References
- https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/student-visa-subclass-500?
- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing?.
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