Australia to Germany, UK to US: How much student visas cost in 2025 and what's getting pricier?

Time of India

4 days ago

Student visa costs across popular destinations have been under intense scrutiny lately, and for good reason. Many aspirants planning to study abroad start budgeting years in advance, but recent surges in visa fees have added a whole new challenge, especially for Indian students.
Australia, for instance, now charges a steep student visa application cost of AUD 2,000. This jump is just one part of a broader global trend, with fees rising across the board for international students. What once seemed like a minor cost is now a major consideration, right up there with tuition and living expenses. Whether it's Germany's €12,000 blocked account or the UK's £524 fee, visa costs are varying widely, forcing students to reconsider how much they're willing to invest in their academic journey abroad.
Here is a look at what it will cost students to apply for a visa to popular study abroad destinations.
Australia - Approx. 1,12,862 INR
Australia's new student visa fee structure has set tongues wagging with its AUD 2,000 baseline cost. The increase affects most applicants, though students from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste enjoy reduced rates.
The government's Visa Pricing Estimator helps calculate exact costs, but students should brace themselves for additional expenses.
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The mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover sits on top of the base fee, pushing total costs even higher.
UK (United Kingdom) - Approx. 60,733 INR
British universities continue to attract Indian students despite the £524 visa fee that applies universally – whether you're applying from Mumbai or Manchester. This flat rate covers the primary applicant, with dependents facing the same charge.
The healthcare surcharge adds another layer of expense, calculated based on course duration during the application process.
Students can expect to wait between three and eight weeks for processing, depending on their location.
Canada - Approx. 48,884 INR
Canadian study permits represent excellent value at CAD 150 for new applications or extensions. Students requiring status restoration face a combined CAD 389.75 bill – CAD 239.75 for restoration plus the standard CAD 150 permit fee.
This pricing structure keeps Canada competitive in the international education market, particularly when compared to its higher-priced neighbours.
New Zealand - Approx. 43,742 INR
New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa costs NZD 850 but covers study periods up to four years. The visa permits full-time study and part-time work (maximum 20 hours weekly), with full-time work rights during holidays subject to conditions.
From 18th August 2025, applications shift to New Zealand's enhanced Immigration Online system.
Ireland - Approx. 16,084 INR
Ireland's visa fees remain unchanged with €60 for single-entry applications and €100 for multiple-entry permissions.
Certain applicants – including family members of Irish citizens and specific nationalities – escape fees altogether.
Local embassy and visa centre procedures may introduce additional administrative charges, varying by location.
US (United States) - Approx. 15,914 INR
America's F and M visa categories maintain their $185 processing fee, making the US one of the more affordable options for Indian students. Academic (F) and vocational (M) programmes fall under this non-petition-based category, with no additional mandatory surcharges.
Exchange programme participants under J visas may dodge fees entirely if their programme enjoys official US government sponsorship. However, all fees remain non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
Sweden - Approx. 13,432 INR
Swedish residence permits for students cost SEK 1,500 for adults, with under-18s paying half at SEK 750. The non-refundable fee has exemptions for scholarship holders from the Swedish Institute, Sida, EU, or Uppsala University's ISP programme.
Students must prove full-time admission and arrange health insurance for stays under one year.
Germany - Approx. 7,540 INR
Germany's modest €75 visa fee might seem attractive, but the devil lurks in the details. Students must demonstrate financial capacity through a blocked account containing €11,904 – enough to cover an entire year's expenses.
New rules from September 2024 restrict monthly withdrawals to €992, adding another layer of complexity.
Factor in APS certification, extensive documentation, and German-standard health insurance, and costs escalate quickly.
France - Approx. 5,026 INR
Indian students applying through France's Études en France system benefit from a €50 visa fee – half the €99 charged to non-EEF applicants. The long-stay student visa doubles as a residence permit for courses exceeding six months.
French authorities encourage digital document submission to expedite processing at external service centres.
Singapore - Approx. 4,027 INR
Singapore's Student's Pass carries a S$60 issuance fee, with an optional S$30 Multiple Journey Visa if required. The entirely digital pass system grants access through Singpass or FileSG following biometric enrolment.
Students receive an In-Principle Approval letter that serves as their entry visa when needed.
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