With Australia increasing its study visa fees from AUD$710 to AUD$1,600 – a rise of 125% – India has taken up the matter with Australian government authorities.
The fee increase, implemented in July 2024, has been discussed with relevant authorities in Australia due to its challenges to students, according to Kirti Vardhan Singh, union minister of state for external affairs.
“The hike in visa fee is expected to pose financial challenges to international students, including those from India, intending to pursue their studies in Australia,” said Singh.
The hike in visa fee is expected to pose financial challenges to international students, including those from India, intending to pursue their studies in Australia
Kirti Vardhan Singh, Ministry of External Affairs
The minister’s statement comes as India and Australia continue to work on multiple educational and research initiatives, including branch campuses, post-study work rights, and partnerships between Indian and Australian institutes.
Indian education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in his meeting with Australian counterpart Jason Clare last month, reinforced this ‘strong and evolving partnership’ between the two countries.
“India-Australia partnership in education forms an important part of our bilateral relationship, including economic, academics, and people-to-people ties,” stated Singh.
“This Ministry continues to raise and follow up with the government of Australia on matters related to students from India studying in Australia.”
The minister’s response came after Neeraj Dangi, an opposition politician from the Indian National Congress, questioned the Indian government’s approach to the matter.
Despite some successful initiatives in the past few years, both countries have seen roadblocks in their relationship amid a rise in Indian students down under.
Indian students, who make up 15% of all international students in Australia, have also previously been barred by certain Australian universities over high visa refusals and academic performance.
Despite a significant drop in study visa applications from India to Australia, 160,000 enrolments and 68,000 commencements from India were recorded in the year ending August 2024.
Though increased visa fees, saving requirements, and stricter visa regulations have contributed to a dip in applications from India, the sector remains worried about how potential enrollment caps would affect the market.
“Australian education has always remained a quality premium offering. It’s open for everyone to actually engage in and is not about shutting doors. Any changes are to ensure that we keep the best quality education,” John Southwell, senior trade and investment commissioner, Austrade, told The PIE News in a recent interview.
