Australia has announced a significant increase in its student visa application fee, raising it to AUD 2,000, effective July 1, 2025. This sharp hike, now making Australia the most expensive destination for student visas among major English-speaking countries, is expected to generate AUD 760 million over the next four years. The government justifies this increase as part of its efforts to manage the growing international education sector sustainably, ensuring equity, quality, and integrity within the system. The rise in fees comes amid broader policy changes, including a cap on international student commencements and stricter English language requirements.

The fee increase has sparked concerns, particularly within the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) sector, where enrolment numbers have already fallen sharply following previous fee hikes. Many ELICOS providers have faced financial strain, leading to closures of established institutions. While the government maintains that these measures are necessary to safeguard the quality of the education system, industry stakeholders fear that rising costs and tighter regulations may affect Australia's global competitiveness as a study destination, potentially deterring prospective students.