The Government of India has officially raised concerns with Australia over a significant hike in visa fees for international students, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed Parliament.
MoS Singh informed that the Australian government had increased the visa fee for international students from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, effective July 1, 2024.
Acknowledging the impact of the steep rise, the Minister expressed concern that the fee hike would create financial hardships for Indian students aspiring to study in Australia.
“The matter has been taken up with the relevant authorities in the Australian government, along with other issues related to students,” MoS Singh stated. He further noted that the fee increase would pose financial challenges for international students, including those from India, planning to pursue higher education in Australia.
Emphasizing the strong India-Australia educational partnership, the Minister highlighted that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continues to engage with the Australian government on issues affecting Indian students studying in Australia.
“The India-Australia partnership in education is an important pillar of our bilateral relationship, encompassing economic, academic, and people-to-people ties. The Ministry continues to raise and follow up on matters related to Indian students studying in Australia,” MoS Singh added.
(Inputs from ANI)