RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 416
ANSWERED ON- 28/11/2024
INCREASE IN STUDENT VISA FEE BY AUSTRALIA
#416. SHRI NEERAJ DANGI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether it is a fact that Australia has recently increased student visa fee by more than double the previous amount;
(b) if so, whether Government has approached the Australian Government regarding reducing the student visa fee;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the decision of increasing student visa fee is a significant financial challenge for Indian students desirous of studying in Australia; and
(d) whether Government has any well thought-out strategy to balance these changes, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) The fee for international student visas was increased by Government of Australia from AUD 710 to AUD 1600 with effect from 1 July 2024.
(b) The matter has been taken up with relevant authorities in the Australian Government along with other issues related to students.
(c) The hike in visa fee is expected to pose financial challenges to international students, including those from India, intending to pursue their studies in Australia.
(d) India-Australia partnership in education forms an important part of our bilateral relationship, including economic, academics and people to people ties. This Ministry continues to raise and follow up with the Government of Australia on matters related to students from India studying in Australia.