The Australian government has announced an increase in international student visa fees from AUD 710 (approximately Rs 38,930) to AUD 1,600 (approximately Rs 87,731), effective July 1, 2024. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed the fee hike in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging that the increase could financially burden international students, including those from India. Singh emphasized the importance of the educational partnership between India and Australia and mentioned that the issue had been raised with the relevant Australian authorities.

India is a significant contributor to Australia's international student population. According to data from January to September 2023, India was the second-largest source of international students, with 122,391 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions.

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into effect in December 2022, offers several benefits for Indian students, including post-study work rights, work and holiday visas, and mutual recognition of qualifications. ECTA also facilitates youth mobility and cultural exchange programs.

Despite the strong education partnership, the number of student visas granted to Indian students has sharply declined. Between October 2023 and August 2024, Australia issued around 298,000 student visas globally, marking a 38% drop compared to the previous period. Indian student visa approvals fell by 56%, while other countries also saw declines, including the Philippines, Colombia, and Vietnam.

Several factors have contributed to this decline, including the increased visa fees, stricter English language requirements, higher financial requirements, reduced post-study work rights, and new visa application rules. The vocational education and training (VET) sector and English language courses have experienced the steepest declines, with many students now reluctant to choose Australia due to the financial burden and stricter visa regulations.

A survey by IDP Education revealed that financial concerns, high living costs, expensive visa fees, and the complexity of securing a student visa are major factors discouraging students from pursuing education in Australia. Unpredictable visa policies have become a key factor in students' decision-making processes.

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