Australia's recent visa fee hike has sparked a debate among Indian students and education consultants. While the standard student visa now costs AUD 2,500, English language courses offer a lower fee of AUD 2,050, raising the question of whether this provides a cheaper route into Australia. However, experts caution that the answer is more complex than it initially seems.
The ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) route, designed for students needing to improve their English, has a lower visa fee. This has led to speculation about its potential as a cheaper entry point into Australian higher education. But, as StudyIn's Lakshmi Iyer points out, the pathway remains challenging for Indian applicants, and universities won't issue offer letters for this route.
University Living's Saurabh Arora emphasizes that the key consideration for most Indian students is not the visa fee savings of AUD 450, but rather the overall study experience and long-term outcomes. He argues that the visa fee difference is a minor factor compared to the substantial costs of tuition and living expenses in Australia, which can exceed AUD 40,000 to 60,000 annually.
Arora also highlights that ELICOS should be viewed as an academic preparation pathway rather than a shortcut into Australia. Indian students must still meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement and demonstrate a credible academic purpose and progression plan. The lower visa fee alone is unlikely to be a decisive factor for most students.
Despite the higher visa fee, Australia remains an attractive destination for Indian students. University Living Research Desk estimates show that Australia hosted over 1.2 lakh Indian students in 2026, making India one of its largest source markets. The appeal goes beyond the visa fee, with factors like university rankings, graduate employability, and post-study work opportunities playing a significant role.
The issue was also discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia, where concerns over changes affecting Indian applicants were acknowledged. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri assured that opportunities for genuine students from India would not be reduced and dismissed speculation of restrictions on Indian student applications.
In conclusion, while the cheaper ELICOS visa category may grab attention, experts advise against choosing English language courses solely for the fee savings. The decision to study in Australia should be based on comprehensive considerations, including admission qualifications, visa requirements, and the overall value of the education investment.
