- Australia has announced a 25% hike in student visa fees, raising the non-refundable fee from A$2,000 to A$2,500.
- Students from ASEAN countries are exempt from the fee increase and will only see an inflation-adjusted increase of A$50, bringing their fee to A$2,050.
- Julian Hill, Australia’s assistant minister for international education, stated that the exemption for ASEAN students is part of efforts to enhance Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
Australia has raised international student visa fees by 25%, increasing the cost from A$2,000 to A$2,500, effective July 3. However, students from ASEAN countries are exempt from this hike, facing only a nominal increase to A$2,050 due to inflation adjustments.2
The Australian government aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia through this exemption. Julian Hill, Australia’s assistant minister for international education, stated, “A reduced visa fee rate for students from ASEAN nations reflects the importance Australia places on welcoming high-quality students from Southeast Asia.” He emphasized the significance of fostering connections among young people from both regions.3
Despite the fee increase, AUG Student Services, which has over 30 years of experience advising Malaysian students, believes the hike will not deter applicants. Nicole Chong, AUG’s partnership director, noted, “The hike is just 2.5%, or A$50, from the previous A$2,000.” Currently, Australia is the top overseas study destination for Malaysians, with around 15,000 students enrolled.
The fee increase is part of a broader strategy to address rising migration concerns post-COVID-19. Andrew Norton, a higher education expert, indicated that the hikes are also aimed at generating revenue. However, universities have expressed concerns that these increases could diminish demand and negatively impact their finances, as they heavily rely on foreign student fees.
Despite the higher costs, Australia remains an attractive option for international students, especially compared to tightening regulations in other English-speaking countries like the US and UK.
“The non-refundable visa fee for non-ASEAN students increased from A$2,000 to A$2,500 on July 3, while ASEAN applicants faced only a A$50 inflation adjustment to A$2,050. Australia's fees are now the highest worldwide, and the education sector contributed A$55 billion to the economy in 2025.”
