Prospective Indian students aiming to study in the United Kingdom and Australia are set to face increased financial challenges as both countries have announced significant hikes in visa charges and tuition fees. These adjustments, effective from this month, will impact various visa categories and educational expenses.

In the UK, the standard visitor visa fee for a six-month stay has risen from £115 (approximately ₹12,700) to £127 (approximately ₹14,000). Long-term visas have also seen increases: a two-year visa now costs ₹52,392, while a five-year visa is priced at ₹93,533. Student visas have been elevated to £524 (approximately ₹57,796), and short-term study visas for English courses lasting 6-11 months now require ₹23,604. Skilled worker visas for up to three years have increased to £769 (approximately ₹84,820), and the innovator founder visa now costs £1,274 (approximately ₹140,520). Additionally, a certificate of sponsorship now incurs a fee of £525.

Australia has also implemented substantial fee increases. The student visa fee has surged from 1,600 Australian dollars (approximately ₹85,600) to 1,808 Australian dollars (approximately ₹96,800). Visitor and work visas have experienced similar hikes, with the work visa fee now standing at approximately 1,130 Australian dollars (approximately ₹60,490).

Beyond visa fees, the UK government has authorized universities to raise tuition fees, ending a freeze that had been in place since 2017. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, students will encounter increased tuition costs. The current annual cap of ₹10,20,265 is set to rise to ₹11,58,139 over the next five years. In Australia, institutions like the University of New South Wales are adjusting their tuition fees, with many courses now costing around ₹31.5 lakh per year.

These financial adjustments present additional hurdles for Indian students aspiring to pursue education in the UK and Australia, necessitating careful financial planning and consideration of alternative options.