By Australia is planning another major increase to its international student visa fees in 2025, with the cost set to jump from A$1,600 to A$2,000 if the ruling Labour Party retains power. The proposed hike would make Australia one of the most expensive countries for foreign students to secure study visas.
Government officials say the A$400 increase is part of a broader migration reform and an effort to reshape the education sector. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced that the change is expected to generate A$760 million over the next four years.
In comparison, the new fee dwarfs what other countries charge. The U.S. charges about A$290 (USD 185), and Canada collects roughly A$160 (CAD 150), making Australia’s pricing far less competitive globally. “We think that’s a sensible measure that really prizes the value of studying here in Australia,” Gallagher said at a press briefing.
The increase comes just months after a previous jump in July 2023, when visa fees more than doubled from A$710 to A$1,600. The move triggered backlash at the time, and the new hike is likely to spark more debate, especially among prospective students and education providers.
International education remains a key part of Australia’s economy, bringing in billions annually. However, pressure is mounting as migration and housing concerns rise. Over one million international students are currently enrolled across the country.
February 2025 saw nearly 200,000 new arrivals, a 12.1% increase from last year and 7.3% above pre-COVID levels. As part of its migration reform, the government plans to cap international student numbers at 270,000 in 2025. Meanwhile, the conservative opposition is pushing for an even stricter limit of 240,000.
