Australia Visa Fee for Pakistani and International Students May Increase if Labor Party Wins Election

SYDNEY (April 28, 2025) – In a major announcement impacting international students, including those from Pakistan, Australia’s ruling Labor Party revealed that if it wins the upcoming election, it plans to increase the Australia visa fee for students. The proposed change would see the cost of a student visa Australia rise from A$1,600 to A$2,000 ($1,279).

Proposed Australia Visa Fee Increase

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher shared Labor’s plans during a press conference, emphasizing that the hike would value Australia's world-class education system. They stated:

"We think that's a sensible measure that really prizes the value of studying here in Australia."

The Labor Party estimates the change could generate around A$760 million over the next four years.

Comparison of Current and Proposed Student Visa Australia Fees

Note: The opposition plans an even steeper hike, proposing A$2,500 for standard universities and up to A$5,000 for Australia's prestigious "Group of Eight" universities.

Key Points to Know

The price of Australia visa for students was already more than doubled last year from A$710 to A$1,600.

International students significantly contribute to university revenues but have also fueled housing demand due to increased migration.

In February 2025, Australia welcomed nearly 200,000 international students, up 12.1% year-on-year and 7.3% higher than pre-pandemic numbers.

Labor proposes capping new international student enrollments at 270,000 in 2025, while the opposition suggests a cap of 240,000.

International Comparison: Australia Visa vs Other Countries

Australia's visa fees are already significantly higher than those in the U.S. and Canada, a situation that could worsen if the Labor or opposition plans are implemented.

Additional Measures Affecting Student Visas

Beyond the increased Australia visa fee, the government has:

Tightened English language requirements for student and graduate visas.

Introduced stricter oversight on education providers, allowing suspension if they repeatedly violate regulations.

Key Takeaways:

• Australia's Labor Party has pledged to increase Australia visa fee for international students if re-elected.   
• This move aims to generate significant revenue and "prize the value" of Australian education.   
• The potential rise in price of Australia visa will impact student visa Australia applicants, including those from Pakistan.
• The opposition proposes even higher fees, particularly for top universities.

Comparison of Proposed Fees:

• The Australian government is addressing the impact of high net migration on housing costs, partly attributed to the influx of international students.
• International students represent a substantial revenue source for Australian universities.   
• The government has also implemented other measures to tighten regulations regarding international students.   

Impact on International Students:

• The increased Australia visa fee will add a significant financial burden for international students, including those from Pakistan.   
• This could potentially deter some students from pursuing higher education in Australia.
• The student visa Australia process is becoming more expensive.   

Additional Measures:

• The government has also tightened English language requirements for student and graduate visas.   
• Education providers face potential suspension if they repeatedly violate regulations.
• Labor has promised to cap international student commencements at 270,000 in 2025.
• The opposition favors a lower figure of 240,000.

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