Starting April 1, 2025, several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union, will increase visa charges and tuition fees for international applicants. These adjustments will impact short-term visitors, work visa applicants, and students pursuing higher education abroad.
For Indian travelers, workers, and students, these changes could lead to significantly higher expenses when planning to visit, study, or work in these destinations. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the revised fees, their impact, and what applicants should prepare for in the coming months.
UK Visa Fee Increases from April 2025
The UK government has revised visa fees across multiple categories, affecting short-term visits, long-term stays, student visas, and work sponsorships.
New UK Visa Fees for Tourists and Students
| Visa Type | Current Fee (£) | New Fee (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | 115 | 127 | 12 |
| Two-Year Visitor Visa | 432 | 475 | 43 |
| Five-Year Visitor Visa | 771 | 848 | 77 |
| Ten-Year Visitor Visa | 963 | 1,059 | 96 |
| Student Visa | 490 | 524 | 34 |
| Child Student Visa | 490 | 524 | 34 |
| Short-Term Study Visa (6-11 months) | 200 | 214 | 14 |
With these changes, a student applying for a UK study visa will now pay £524, while visitors opting for a 10-year visa will need to shell out over £1,000.
Increased Work Visa and Sponsorship Costs
| Work Visa Type | Current Fee (£) | New Fee (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | 719 | 769 | 50 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | 1,191 | 1,274 | 83 |
Additionally, employers sponsoring workers will see a sharp increase in sponsorship costs:
| Sponsorship Service | Current Fee (£) | New Fee (£) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Sponsorship | 239 | 525 | 286 |
| Sponsor License (Large Companies) | 1,476 | 1,579 | 103 |
| Sponsor License (Small Businesses/Charities) | 536 | 574 | 38 |
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Charges
The UK has also raised its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee for visa-exempt travelers:
- New ETA Fee: £16 (up from £10)
- Applies to: Citizens from the US, EU, and other visa-free nations
Although Indians are not eligible for an ETA, these changes indicate a trend of increasing travel costs globally.
UK University Fee Hike from 2025
For the first time since 2017, the UK government has approved tuition fee increases for domestic university students.
- The current fee cap of £9,250 per year will rise to £10,500 over five years.
- This increase will take effect from the academic year 2025-26.
Although this change primarily affects UK and EU students, international tuition fees could also see further adjustments in the future.
Australia’s Tuition Fee Increase for International Students
Several top Australian universities have announced significant tuition fee hikes for international students, effective from 2025.
| University | Course | New Annual Fee (AUD) | Approx. Cost in INR (Lakhs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Engineering | 56,480 | 30.36 |
| University of Melbourne | Clinical Medicine | 112,832 | 60.66 |
| University of New South Wales | Most Courses | 58,560 | 31.50 |
Universities have justified these hikes by stating that rising operational costs and inflation have made fee adjustments necessary.
European Union: New Entry Requirements for Travelers
Starting mid-2025, the European Union (EU) will launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visa-exempt travelers.
Key ETIAS Details
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | €7 |
| Validity | 3 Years |
| Applies To | Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., US, Canada, UK) |
Additionally, the EU will introduce an Entry/Exit System (EES) to replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks, including facial scans and fingerprints.
💡 Note: Indians are not eligible for ETIAS and must apply for a Schengen visa to visit France, Germany, Spain, and other EU nations.
United States: Fee Changes Implemented in 2024
While the US is not making changes in 2025, it increased visa fees in April 2024:
- H-1B Visa Fees (Form I-129): Increased to $780, depending on company size
- Other employment-based visa categories also saw price hikes
Applicants planning to work or study in the US should be aware of these existing fee adjustments.
For Indian travelers, students, and professionals, these changes mean higher costs when applying for visas, work permits, and university programs abroad.
Key Takeaways:
- UK visitor and student visa fees are rising significantly from April 2025.
- Work visas and employer sponsorship costs are seeing major hikes.
- Australia is increasing tuition fees, especially for engineering and medical courses.
- The EU is introducing ETIAS and biometric entry systems, making border processes stricter.
- The US had already increased visa fees in 2024.
Prospective applicants should factor in these rising costs and plan accordingly, ensuring they meet all visa and financial requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the new UK visa fees take effect?
The revised UK visa fees will be applicable from April 1, 2025 across all categories, including tourist, student, and work visas.
2. How much does a UK Student Visa cost now?
The UK Student Visa fee has increased from £490 to £524. The same fee applies to child student visas.
3. How much will it cost to study in Australia in 2025?
Tuition fees vary by university and course. For example:
- Engineering at the University of Melbourne: AUD 56,480 (~₹30.36 lakh)
- Clinical Medicine at the University of Melbourne: AUD 112,832 (~₹60.66 lakh)
- Most courses at UNSW: AUD 58,560 (~₹31.50 lakh)
4. What is ETIAS, and does it apply to Indians?
ETIAS is a new EU digital entry permit for visa-exempt travelers. Indians are not eligible and must still apply for a Schengen visa to visit the EU.
5. Are US visa fees increasing in 2025?
No, but the US already increased visa fees in 2024, including H-1B visa fees, which rose to $780.
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Kishan is a knowledgeable writer specializing in agriculture and the latest government job recruitments, delivering clear and insightful content to inform and empower readers.