Australia Maintains Special Student Visa Fee for Indonesians Amidst Rate Hikes

Australia has announced an increase in student visa (subclass 500) application fees for some countries, but confirmed that a special fee structure will be maintained for students from Indonesia. This measure reflects the strong educational ties between the two nations. In an interview with Indonesian media outlet "detikedu," Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwite, clarified that reports of student visa fees rising from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 do not apply to Indonesians. "No. I really want to clarify this, because I know there have been some incorrect reports. There have been fee increases on some visa categories in Australia, but we are not applying that to students from Indonesia," Thistlethwite stated. Thistlethwite cited the "special relationship" between Australia and Indonesia, as well as ASEAN, as the reason for the limited increase for Indonesian students. He explained that the fee would see a minor adjustment reflecting the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, increasing from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,050 (approximately Rp 25.9 million), and would not reach AUD 2,500. "So, for students in Indonesia and ASEAN, the increase in fees, we will not be applying that. So, please don't worry," he assured Indonesian students. He added that approximately 25,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in Australia, and the Australian government is committed to further enhancing educational relations between the two countries. According to "The Guardian," the student visa application fee was set to increase from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500, following a more than doubling of the international student visa application fee from $710 to $1,600 in 2024. This new increase represents more than a threefold rise compared to comparable destinations like the UK, US, New Zealand, and Canada. However, for students from Indonesia, the visa fee will be maintained at AUD 2,050 (Rp 25.9 million) for a maximum period of five years.