As of March 31, 2025, significant changes are on the horizon for Indians seeking visas to the UK and Australia, with fee hikes set to take effect in April 2025. These increases, particularly targeting students and workers, could reshape the financial landscape for those planning to study or work abroad.Â
The global trend of tightening immigration policies and increasing costs for international applicants has been evident in recent years. For Indians, who form a significant portion of international students and workers in both the UK and Australia, these changes are particularly noteworthy. The UK and Australia, known for their robust education systems and job opportunities, are adjusting their visa and tuition fees, with reports suggesting increases of up to 13% for Indians starting April 1, 2025.
UK Visa Fee Increases: Detailed Breakdown
The UK government has outlined specific fee hikes effective April 9, 2025, impacting a wide range of visa categories. These changes are part of a broader update to immigration and nationality fees, as published by the Home Office. Below is a table summarizing key increases relevant to Indian students and workers:
| Category | Old Fee | New Fee | Percentage Increase |
| 6-month Standard Visitor Visa | ÂŁ115 (Rs 12,700) | ÂŁ127 (Rs 14,000) | ~10.4% |
| Student Visa | ÂŁ490 | ÂŁ524 | ~6.9% |
| Child Student Visa | ÂŁ490 | ÂŁ524 | ~6.9% |
| Short-term Study Visa (6-11 months) | ÂŁ200 | ÂŁ214 | ~7% |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | ÂŁ719 | ÂŁ769 | ~6.9% |
| Innovator Founder Visa | ÂŁ1,191 | ÂŁ1,274 | ~6.9% |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | ÂŁ239 | ÂŁ525 | ~120% |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | ÂŁ10 | ÂŁ16 | ~60% |
Notably, the Certificate of Sponsorship fee sees a dramatic 120% increase, from ÂŁ239 to ÂŁ525, which could significantly impact employers sponsoring Indian workers. The ETA fee, applicable to visa-exempt travelers, also rises by 60%, from ÂŁ10 to ÂŁ16, affecting short-term visitors (UK Visa & ETA Fees).
These increases are not uniform, with some categories, like the student visa, seeing a more modest rise of about 7%, while others, like sponsorship, face steeper hikes. This variation could lead to confusion among applicants, especially those unfamiliar with the nuances of each visa type.
Australia’s Visa and Tuition Fee Changes
Unlike the UK, specific details on Australia’s visa fee increases for Indians in April 2025 are less clear from official sources. However, recent reports suggest that while visa fees may not have a uniform hike, tuition fees for international students, including Indians, are rising significantly. For instance, the University of Melbourne will charge AUD 56,480 (approximately Rs 30.36 lakh) per year for engineering courses and AUD 112,832 (approximately Rs 60.66 lakh) for clinical medicine, up from previous rates. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is also increasing most courses to AUD 58,560 per year.
This focus on tuition fees rather than visa fees is an unexpected detail, as it shifts the financial burden more towards educational costs rather than immigration processes. It’s worth noting that Australia’s immigration department has not released a comprehensive update on visa fees for April 2025, but the reported 13% hike mentioned in news articles suggests potential changes, though specifics remain elusive.
Impact on Indian Students and Workers
The financial implications of these hikes are significant for Indian students and workers. For students, the combined effect of higher visa fees in the UK (e.g., student visas from ÂŁ490 to ÂŁ524) and rising tuition fees in Australia could make these destinations less affordable. For instance, an Indian student planning to study engineering in Melbourne might face an additional Rs 30 lakh annually, plus visa costs, which could deter applications.
For workers, the UK’s increased Certificate of Sponsorship fee (from £239 to £525) could mean higher costs for employers, potentially reducing job offers for Indians. This is particularly concerning given the 120% hike, which is one of the steepest increases.
The reaction from the Indian community and government has not been widely reported yet, but these changes will likely spark discussions on affordability and accessibility. Indian students and workers may need to explore scholarships, financial aid, or alternative destinations with lower costs.
Broader Implications and Considerations
These fee hikes reflect a global trend of countries tightening immigration policies and recovering costs through higher fees. For the UK, the increases are part of efforts to fund immigration services, as noted in official announcements. For Australia, the focus on tuition fees aligns with efforts to manage migration levels, as seen in recent policy changes doubling student visa fees in 2024, though not directly linked to April 2025.
The lack of clarity on Australia’s visa fee specifics for April 2025 is a point of uncertainty, and applicants should check official immigration websites for updates. This ambiguity could lead to confusion, especially for those planning applications close to the deadline.
Indians planning to study or work in the UK and Australia should prepare for higher costs starting April 2025, with the UK implementing clear visa fee increases and Australia focusing more on tuition hikes. These changes could influence decisions, and applicants are advised to budget accordingly and seek financial assistance where possible. As the situation evolves, staying updated with official sources will be crucial.
