Australia said that it had more than doubled the visa fee for international students with effect from July 1.

According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, this move was followed by a considerable increase in foreign students studying in Australian institutions. 

Official figures show that in 2022, more than 1,00,000 Indian students were studying in Australian institutions. By September 2023, this number had risen to 1.22 lakhs. 

The visa fee for international students in Australia will increase from AUD 710 (~₹39,527) to AUD 1,600 (~₹89,059). This will affect the Indian students aspiring to study in Australia.

This fee hike will also apply to visitor visa holders and temporary graduate visa applicants. AustralianHome Minister Clare O’Neil mentioned that this change could alleviate the pressure on the housing market. Migration had increased by 60% to 5,48,800 by Mar 30, 2023.

With this, student visas for Australia have become more expensive than those for the US and Canada. Currently, the student visa fees for the US stand at $185 (₹15,445.91), and CAD 150 (~₹12,523.71) for Canada.

The Australian government has stated that this change will help eliminate loopholes in visa regulations. This will also benefit genuine students who can obtain visas more easily. Consequently, it will accelerate the economic development of Australia. 

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