New Delhi, July 4 -- Studying in Australia has just become significantly more expensive. In its second consecutive annual price hike, the Australian government has raised the application fee for the standard Student Visa (Subclass 500) to AUD 2,500 (1.65 lakh), effective 1 July 2026.

The move, announced by the Department of Home Affairs, represents a steep 25% increase from the previous AUD 2,000 fee. The fee was last year raised from AUD 1,600.

For prospective students from India, this upfront cost may add to an already expensive process. The visa application charges are generally non-refundable, so an unsuccessful application now carries a much higher financial risk.

This fee hike is only one part of the financial equation. Students ...