Nigerian Students May Face Visa Fees Exceeding N2 Million as Australia Plans Hike

Prospective Nigerian students seeking to study in Australia may soon face significantly higher financial hurdles, as the Australian government is reportedly considering increasing its student visa application fee from AUD$1,600 to AUD$2,000. At the current exchange rate, this would raise the cost to approximately N2,054,480, sparking concern among students, parents, and education consultants in Nigeria.

The proposed fee hike, part of a broader immigration and border reform strategy, is aimed at offsetting rising administrative costs and ensuring that international education remains a sustainable source of income for the Australian government. Although the change has not yet been officially implemented, sources within Australia’s Department of Home Affairs indicate that the increase is likely to take effect in the coming months as part of the 2025–2026 federal budget rollout.

Nigeria, one of the top African countries sending students to Australia, could be particularly affected. According to data from the Australian Department of Education, over 4,500 Nigerian students were enrolled in Australian institutions in 2024. Many of these students already face steep tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.

Education consultants in Nigeria have expressed concern that the visa fee hike could discourage talented students from considering Australia as a study destination, especially in light of the current economic pressures and the depreciation of the naira. "For many families, this increase could be a deal-breaker. We may see a significant drop in applications unless financial support structures are also improved," said Grace Onuh, a Lagos-based international education advisor.

Australian universities, which rely heavily on international student revenue, may also feel the impact if the number of applicants from Nigeria and other developing nations declines.

Stakeholders have urged both governments to explore scholarship programs and bilateral agreements that could ease the financial burden on students while maintaining strong educational ties between the two countries.