Nigerians may soon pay over N2m for Australian study visa

…Current study visa application fee is N1,638,400

Nigerians may soon have to pay over N2 million in visa application fees when applying to study in Australia, as the Australian government is proposing an increase from AUD$1,600 to AUD$2,000 (Approx. N2,054,480 at current rate).

Prior to the current fee of AUD$1,600 introduced in July 2024, the cost had been AUD$710. Hence the earlier increase marked a 125 percent increase.

Peter Dutton, Australia’s opposition leader, has suggested a further increase. Under his coalition government, fees would rise to AUD$5,000 for students applying to Group of Eight (Go8) universities (a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities) and AUD$2,500 for others.

Read also: 10 countries offering post-study work visas for international Students

This upward review is being proposed by the contesting Australian political parties ahead of the country’s upcoming federal election on May 3, even as it draws widespread criticism.

This visa fee increment is expected to generate AUD$760 million to Australia in over four years from applicants globally and could make the country the most expensive destination for student visa applicants globally.

English Australia, the Australian industry association of English language schools for students from overseas, noted that the AUD$1,600 fee is double the UK’s rate, four times higher than the US, and nearly 10 times Canada’s.

Current drop in enrolments

The association warned that the current fee levels are already detrimental, citing a 50 percent drop in enrolments for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). It therefore called for halving visa fees for courses under 12 months, proposing a reduced fee below AUD$800.

Critics argue these proposals will cause financial pressures on international students, threatening Australia’s competitiveness in the global education market.

Kay Gallagher, education minister, defended the increase, describing it as a ‘sensible measure’ that underscores the value of studying in Australia.

Read also: UK experiences 42% drop in visa application for work, study

Making a case for short-term courses

They argued that this has severely impacted the short-course market. Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), echoed these concerns, advocating for a 50 percent discount for short-term courses.

As the May 3 election approaches, visa policy has become a contentious issue. Labour aims to balance fiscal responsibility with openness to dialogue, while the coalition’s more radical approach could reshape Australia’s international education landscape.