Significant news has emerged for those aspiring to go to Australia. The dream of studying there has become more expensive, as the Australian government has decided to increase student visa application fees starting July 1, 2026. Under the new system, the visa fee has been raised from 2,000 Australian dollars to 2,500 dollars—equivalent to approximately ₹1.64 lakh in Indian currency. Previously, the fee was ₹1.44 lakh.
This fee hike by the Australian government will particularly impact Punjabis, given the large number of students from Punjab who travel to Australia for their studies. Additionally, reports indicate that when biometric fees are added to the visa application cost, the total expense for Indian students could reach around ₹1.70 lakh. The Australian government made this decision in response to the country’s economic situation and job market challenges; it is also taking steps to regulate the influx of foreign students.
Meanwhile, data shows a decline in student visas issued to Indian students over the past few years. Ministry of Finance figures reveal that 48,536 Indian students received visas in 2024-25, compared to 50,516 in 2023-24 and 102,696 in 2022-23. It is believed that rising costs and stricter regulations could further impact the number of students aspiring to study abroad in the future.
Several Strict Rules Implemented
Alongside the fee hike, the Australian government has introduced new regulations limiting students to working only 48 hours every two weeks during their studies. However, unlimited work hours will be permitted during holiday periods.
The IELTS score requirement for student visas has been raised to a 6.0 band. Students are now required to take the exam in person at a designated center; home-based tests—such as IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition—will not be accepted for visa applications. Changes have been made to the ‘Genuine Student’ requirement. Under these rules, students must demonstrate that their primary objective is to study in Australia, rather than to seek employment.
Students cannot change their visa status while remaining in Australia; this means they cannot travel to the country on a tourist or temporary graduate visa and subsequently convert it into a student visa. Students from India, for instance, would need to make such changes from their home country. Additionally, effective July 1, 2026, the age limit for the graduate visa will be reduced from 50 to 35 years, and the fee will be increased to AUD 5,750 (INR 3,77,546).
