Starting from April 1, 2025, the Australian government is implementing a substantial increase in visa application fees, with hikes of up to 13% across various categories.
This change will directly affect Indian nationals planning to visit, study, or work in Australia. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming fee changes.
Key Visa Fee Changes from April 2025
From the new financial year, individuals applying for Australian visas will notice a significant rise in application charges. Below are the revised fees for the most common types of visas:
| Visa Type | Old Fee (AUD) | New Fee (AUD) | Old Fee (INR) | New Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (subclass 500) | 1,600 | 1,808 | 85,600 | 96,800 |
| Visitor Visa | 150 | 169.50 | 8,030 | 9,070 |
| Work Visa | 1,000 | 1,130 | 53,530 | 60,490 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) | 1,945 | 2,235 | 103,500 | 119,800 |
These increases will impact all applicants, particularly those from India, who constitute a significant portion of the international visa applicants to Australia.
Temporary Graduate Visa Fees Soar by 15%
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which is a popular option among international students completing their studies in Australia, also saw an increase earlier in 2025. This fee hike is more significant than other visa types:
- Primary Applicants: The base application fee has increased from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235, reflecting a 15% rise.
- Additional Applicants:
- Adults (18 and over): AUD 1,115
- Minors (under 18): AUD 560
The increase in Temporary Graduate visa fees affects students on the Post-Higher Education Work stream and the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, with only the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream being priced lower at AUD 880.
Why Are Visa Fees Rising?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has explained that the increase in visa fees is necessary to cover the inflationary pressures and the rising costs of processing visa applications.
The Australian government aims to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the visa application process despite rising operational costs.
Impact on International Students and Visitors
The hike in visa fees is not the only change affecting international students. Many Australian universities have also raised their tuition fees for international students starting in 2025:
- University of Melbourne: Up to a 7% increase, especially in courses like Engineering (AUD 56,480/year) and Clinical Medicine (AUD 112,832/year).
- University of New South Wales: Similar fee hikes have been observed, with rising operational costs being cited as the reason behind the increase.
These fee hikes come after a significant rise in the student visa charge in July 2024, which saw the cost jump from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600.
The Impact of Higher Visa and Tuition Fees
While the government argues that the increase in visa fees will help fund educational initiatives, critics believe that the hikes will drive students away from Australia, pushing them toward alternative destinations like the US, UK, and Canada. Saurabh Arora, the CEO of University Living,
mentioned that this will encourage international students to look beyond the traditional study destinations.
How Are Students Reacting to the Fee Hikes?
Education consultants and prospective students have raised concerns about the rising costs of studying in Australia. Many feel that the combination of tuition fee hikes and the increased cost of obtaining a visa could make Australia less competitive as a study destination.
Despite these concerns, the Australian government has emphasized the importance of international education as a key national asset. The Albanese government has stated that the increase will help reduce graduate debt and fund apprenticeship programs.
With these significant changes set to take effect in April 2025, those planning to visit, work, or study in Australia should factor in the higher costs when planning their journey.
FAQs
Why did Australia increase visa fees for 2025?
The Australian government raised visa fees to cover inflation and rising costs associated with processing visas, ensuring the continued effectiveness of the immigration system.
How much did the Temporary Graduate visa fee increase?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) saw a 15% increase, with the base application fee rising from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235.
Will the visa fee increase affect my application?
Yes, all applicants, including students, visitors, and workers, will need to account for the increased fees, impacting their budget for Australian visa applications.