Australia has significantly increased the financial burden on international students by more than doubling its student visa application fee from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, equivalent to approximately Rs 1.05 lakh. This sharp rise, effective June 19, 2026, positions Australia as the most expensive country globally for student visas, surpassing Canada, New Zealand, the US, and the UK.
In addition to the fee hike, the Australian government has implemented a ban on onshore student visa applications. International students currently in Australia on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, or Maritime Crew visas will no longer be able to apply for a new student visa from within the country. They are now required to submit their applications from abroad, adding further logistical and financial challenges.
Broader Visa Changes and Their Ramifications
This latest increase follows an earlier decision in March to double the application fee for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600. The 485 visa is a critical pathway for international graduates seeking to live and work in Australia after completing their studies. Furthermore, the age limit for Temporary Graduate visa applicants has been lowered from 50 to 35 years, effective July 1.
These cumulative changes are expected to have a profound impact, particularly on Indian students, who constitute one of the largest cohorts of international students in Australia. The timing of these fee increases is especially challenging, as many international graduates are already struggling to secure employment in the Australian job market.
Employment Challenges for Graduates
A recent survey of approximately 8,500 postgraduate students at the University of Melbourne, conducted by a member organization of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), revealed that 55% of international students reported significant difficulty finding employment. This figure stands in stark contrast to 32% of domestic students facing similar issues. Lack of career support was identified as the primary study-related concern by 28% of respondents.
Jesse Garden-Russell, CAPA's national president, highlighted the existing structural barriers. He noted that the Australian job market often excludes temporary migrants seeking skilled work, with many employers requiring permanent residency for graduate positions. "In a period where the job market is already tough for our international students, doubling the cost of their ticket to play, the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, means that those who have already integrated into Australian society and want to contribute to growing our economy, will be unable to participate," Garden-Russell stated. He emphasized that these policies contradict Australia's long-standing principle of offering a "fair go" to those striving for success.