Australia to Hike Student Visa Fees to A$2,000 and Tighten Rules in 2025

Labor’s re-election plan signals rising costs, reduced intakes, and tougher immigration policies for international students

Canberra, Australia – April 29, 2025
International students planning to study in Australia should brace for a major increase in visa fees and stricter entry rules starting in 2025. If re-elected, the ruling Labor Party will raise the student visa fee from A$1,600 to A$2,000, as part of a sweeping overhaul of immigration and education policies aimed at curbing net migration and reforming the booming international education sector.

This marks the second significant hike in under two years—visa fees were previously doubled from A$710 to A$1,600 in July 2023—pushing Australia into the ranks of the world’s most expensive countries for student entry.

Policy Aims to Raise Revenue, Cut Migration

The government estimates the new A$2,000 visa fee will raise A$760 million over the next four years, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher. They argue the increase reflects the value of studying in Australia and supports the country’s economic and housing stability amidst rising migration figures.

In February 2025 alone, Australia welcomed nearly 200,000 international students, a 12% year-on-year increase, and 7.3% above pre-pandemic levels. In total, over one million international students were enrolled in 2024—placing pressure on housing and services in major cities.

Comparative Costs: Australia Outpaces Global Peers

Australia’s proposed fees significantly surpass those of competing study destinations such as the U.S. and Canada, potentially deterring budget-conscious students.

Opposition Proposes Even Steeper Costs

Australia’s conservative opposition has gone even further, proposing a base fee of A$2,500 for all students and up to A$5,000 for elite institutions like the Group of Eight universities. This points to bipartisan support for tightening immigration through education-related reforms.

Student Intake to Be Capped in 2025

In addition to higher costs, the Labor government plans to cap international student numbers at 270,000 for 2025, while the opposition proposes a stricter cap of 240,000. This is intended to reduce pressure on housing and public infrastructure, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Other Key Measures Already in Effect:

• Higher tuition fees for in-demand courses, especially at top-tier universities.

• Stricter English language requirements for both student and post-study visas.

• Stricter compliance rules for educational institutions, with possible bans on those violating recruitment or visa conditions.

Impact on Future Students

The policy shift significantly alters the study landscape:

• Increased costs: Higher visa and tuition fees mean more upfront expenses.

• Fierce competition: Fewer available spots will raise admission standards.

• Tighter compliance: Visa applicants must meet stricter academic and English benchmarks.

Conclusion

Australia’s student visa fee hike to A$2,000—along with tighter student caps and enforcement—is a clear signal of a new, more regulated era for international education. As one of the world’s top study destinations, Australia will remain attractive, but the barriers to entry are rising.

Prospective students should begin preparing early, budgeting for increased costs, and ensuring academic readiness. The message is unmistakable: in 2025, studying in Australia will require more than just ambition—it will require resilience, resources, and strategy.