India Takes Up Visa Fees Hike Matter With Australian Authorities

Study in Australia: From July 1, 2024, Australia has increased the international student visa fees by more than 200%. Earlier, it was AUS$710 and now increased to AUS$1,600. India has taken up this matter with the Australian authorities, said Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh.

Australia increased student visa application fees by more than 200% from July 1, 2024. It was one of the many steps taken to control migration in Australia. Now, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh apprised the Parliament that this issue has been raised with the Australian authorities.

While replying to a question on Rajya Sabha, the minister said, "The fee for international student visa was increased by the Government of Australia from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 with effect from 1 July 2024. The matter has been taken up with relevant authorities in the Australian government along with other issues related to students".

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Australian Student Visa Fee Hike Likely To Pose Financial Challenges To Indian Students

The minister acknowledged that it is going to pose financial challenges for Indian students.

"The hike in visa fees is expected to pose financial challenges to international students, including those from India, intending to pursue their studies in Australia. India-Australia partnership in education forms an important part of the bilateral relationship, including economic, academic and people-to-people ties," the minister further added.

"This ministry continues to raise and follow up with the Government of Australia on matters related to students from India studying in Australia," Singh said.

Australia’s Education Strategy For India

In November Australia released A Partnership for the Future: Australia’s Education Strategy for India. The Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Education visited India in November to strengthen the ongoing commitment between both countries for collaboration in research and education.

During his visit to India, he said, “The development of Australia’s Education Strategy for India and today’s meeting of the Australia India Education and Skills Council are so important. This is all about strengthening the education relationship between Australia and India. These developments also highlight that international education is not a one-way street, it is not just about international students coming to Australia, it is increasingly about Australian universities going to the world.”

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