July 19, 2025 
For good reason, the cost of student visas to many well-known locations has recently come under close scrutiny. Many students who want to study abroad begin planning their finances years in advance, but recent increases in visa costs have presented a whole new difficulty, particularly for Indian students.
For example, Australia currently charges AUD 2,000 for student visa applications. The increase in fees for international students is a part of a larger global trend. What used to seem like a small expense is now a significant factor, ranking on par with living expenses and tuition.
Students are being forced to reevaluate how much they are willing to spend on their academic journey abroad due to the wide variations in visa costs, which range from Germany’s €12,000 blocked account to the UK’s £524 fee. The cost of applying for a visa to well-known study abroad locations is shown here.
1. Australia (Approx. 1,12,862 INR)
With a base fee of AUD 2,000, Australia’s new student visa fee structure has everyone talking. While students from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste benefit from lower rates, the majority of applicants are impacted by the increase.
Students should prepare for additional costs, even though the government’s Visa Pricing Estimator aids in determining precise costs. The base fee is increased by the mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover, which raises overall expenses even further.
2. UK (United Kingdom – Approx. 60,733 INR)
Despite the universal £524 visa fee, which applies whether you’re applying from Manchester or Mumbai, Indian students are still drawn to British universities. The primary applicant is covered by this flat rate, and dependents are also charged. During the application process, the healthcare surcharge—which is determined by the length of the course—adds yet another level of cost, Study in UK. Depending on where they live, students may have to wait anywhere from three to eight weeks for processing.
3. Canada (Approx. 48,884 INR)
For new applications or extensions, Canadian study permits are a great deal at CAD 150. Students who need status restoration will be charged CAD 389.75 in total, which includes the standard CAD 150 permit fee and CAD 239.75 for restoration.
Canada maintains its competitiveness in the global education market thanks to this pricing strategy, especially when contrasted with its more expensive neighbors.
4. New Zealand (Approx. 43,742 INR)
The fee-paying student visa for New Zealand is NZD 850 and is valid for up to four years of study. The visa allows for both full-time study and part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week), with the possibility of full-time employment during holidays, subject to certain restrictions.
Applications will be moved to New Zealand’s upgraded Immigration Online system on August 18, 2025.
5. Ireland (Approx. 16,084 INR)
Ireland still charges €60 for single-entry visas and €100 for multiple-entry permits. Some applicants are exempt from fees entirely, such as relatives of Irish citizens and members of particular nationalities.
Additional administrative fees, which differ depending on the location, may be introduced by local embassy and visa center procedures.
6. US (United States – Approx. 15,914 INR)
For Indian students, USA is one of the more cost-effective options because the F and M visa categories in America still have a $185 processing fee. This non-petition-based category includes academic (F) and vocational (M) programs; there are no extra required surcharges.
Participants in exchange programs with J visas may be exempt from fees completely if their program is officially sponsored by the US government. Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome of the application, all fees are still non-refundable.
7. Sweden (Approx. 13,432 INR)
The cost of a Swedish student residence permit is SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for those under the age of 18. Scholarship recipients from the Swedish Institute, Sida, EU, or Uppsala University’s ISP program are exempt from the non-refundable fee.
For stays shorter than a year, students must provide proof of full-time enrollment and arrange health insurance.
8. Germany (Approx. 7,540 INR)
The small €75 visa fee for Germany may seem alluring, but the details can be tricky. A blocked account with €11,904—enough to cover a year’s worth of expenses—must be used by students to prove their financial stability.
Another level of complexity is introduced by new regulations that go into effect in September 2024 and limit monthly withdrawals to €992. Costs rapidly increase when APS certification, copious documentation, and German-standard health insurance are taken into account.
9. France (Approx. 5,026 INR)
The visa fee for Indian students applying through France’s Études en France system is €50, which is half of what non-EEF applicants must pay. For courses longer than six months, the long-stay student visa also functions as a residence permit.
To speed up processing at external service centers, French authorities encourage the submission of digital documents.
10. Singapore (Approx. 4,027 INR)
A S$60 issuance fee is associated with Singapore’s Student’s Pass, and a S$30 Multiple Journey Visa is optional if necessary. After biometric enrollment, the fully digital pass system provides access via Singpass or FileSG.
When necessary, the In-Principle Approval letter that students receive can be used as their entry visa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prospective international students—especially those from India—are increasingly considering the growing expense of student visas when making their decisions. Visa fees are now vying for the same attention as living expenses and tuition, which have historically dominated financial planning. A growing global shift that puts additional financial strain on students is highlighted by the sharp rise in visa fees, such as Australia’s AUD 2,000 fee, the UK’s £524 fee, and Germany’s €12,000 blocked account. Many are being prompted by this trend to reevaluate their study abroad plans in general, as well as their timelines and destination selections. Students and families must keep themselves informed, make strategic plans, and look into scholarships or other options with lower requirements as the cost of studying abroad keeps rising.