Student visa alert 2025: Latest updates and how to budget

Here’s a breakdown of the latest visa fee updates across Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. 

1. Australia: Rise in student visa fee  

Effective 1 July 2025, Australia’s student visa application fee is AUD 2,000 (non-refundable). 

2. UK: Adjustments to visa & post-study fees 

The UK government has made several changes to visa fees in 2025: 

• Student visa: Increased to £524 

• Short-term study visa: Increased to £214 

• Graduate route visa: Increased to £880 

3. US: Student visa and SEVIS charges 

In the US, the student visa application fee was raised in May 2023. The recent fee structure is as follows: 

• F, M and J visa fee: Increased to $185 

• SEVIS fee: $350 for most F and M visas, and $220 for J visas 

4. Canada: Student visa structure and increased financial proof 

Canada has implemented several updates affecting international students: Visa fees: 

• Study permit fee: CAD 150 

• Restore your status as a student: CAD 389.75 (Restore your status = 239.75 + new study permit = 150) 

Cost-of-living requirement:  

Students have to show financial proof of CAD 20,635, excluding tuition, applicable for all provinces/territories except Quebec. However, the cost-of-living requirement for a single applicant will rise to CAD 22,895, effective September 1, 2025. 

5. Ireland: Visa fee unchanged 

Ireland has not changed its student visa application fees, which remain: 

• €60 for single-entry 

• €100 for multiple-entry 

Financial proof 

For visa-required nationals, the financial requirement remains at €10,000 for long-term academic courses and €6,665 for courses of eight months or less.  However, there’s an update for international students from non-EU, 'non-visa-required' countries as of 30 June 2025. For short courses of less than eight months, these students must now show proof of funds amounting to €6,665 or €833 per month. For longer courses exceeding eight months, the financial requirement is set at €10,000.  

6. New Zealand: Hike in student and post-study visa fees 

New Zealand government announced a significant rise in visa fees, effective 1 October 2024: 

• Student visa fee: NZD 850, including NZD 100 IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)  

• Post-study work visa fee: Increased to NZD 1,670 

 Knowing what’s ahead makes it easier to plan your budget and enjoy your student journey. 

Student visa fees can be significant, especially when combined with proof of funds, health cover, travel, and living expenses. Here are IDP’s top budgeting tips to help you prepare early and save smartly for your destination—whether it’s the UK, Australia, the US, Canada, Ireland, or New Zealand. 

1. Start early with a dedicated visa fund: 

Open a separate savings account for your visa and study expenses. Automate monthly deposits to build a financial cushion steadily. 

2. Explore scholarships and financial aid early: 

Use IDP’s Find a tool to search for funding opportunities. For instance, Canadian universities often offer entrance scholarships that can reduce tuition, helping you redirect funds towards visa or living costs. 

3. Compare exchange rates and transfer fees: 

Use international money transfer services that offer better exchange rates and lower fees. This is especially important in countries like Canada and New Zealand, where upfront proof of funds is high. 

4. Leverage tech tools: 

Use budgeting apps and tools like IDP’s cost-of-living calculator or the IDP Live app to track your expenses, find affordable courses, and get cost-of-living estimates tailored to your destination city. 

Once you reach your preferred destination, the following tips can help you balance out the extra visa expenses:  

5. Opt for cost-effective housing: 

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when studying abroad. Choosing wisely can significantly reduce your monthly outflow. 

• Australia and New Zealand: Consider renting a room in a shared house rather than a full unit. Suburbs further from the city centre often have lower rents, just ensure you account for transport costs. 

• United Kingdom: University-managed halls are usually more affordable in smaller cities like Leeds or Sheffield compared to London. You can also explore student accommodation that includes bills (electricity, Wi-Fi, water) to avoid unexpected costs. 

• Canada: Look for homestays or co-op housing, which are often cheaper and include meals. Cities like Halifax or Winnipeg have significantly lower rents than Toronto or Vancouver. 

• United States: Off-campus housing in college towns, especially with roommates, can be cheaper than university dorms. Explore Facebook housing groups or platforms like Zillow and Craigslist but verify all listings for safety. 

• Ireland: Consider living slightly outside central Dublin. Commuter towns offer better rental rates and decent public transport. Look for options through your university’s accommodation office or student union. 

6. Cut daily expenses strategically: 

Avoid frequent takeouts, limit impulse shopping, and use student discounts wherever possible. As an IDP student, you can now easily apply for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), the only globally recognised student ID that gives you access to 1000+ discounts and benefits in 130+ countries. You can also follow the following tips: 

• UK: Use student railcards for travel and TOTUM discounts for food, clothing, and entertainment. 

• Australia: Shop at local markets, cook at home, and take advantage of student discounts. 

• New Zealand: Opt for supermarket deals, shared housing, and student bus passes. 

• US: Choose campus meal plans, student discount apps, and second-hand textbooks. 

• Canada: Use flyers and PC Optimum for grocery savings; check for campus freebies. 

• Ireland: Use the Leap Card for discounted public transport and student deals at major grocery chains.

Final tip: Talk to an IDP counsellor. Their personalised guidance, based on your country, university, and course, can help you plan realistically and avoid financial surprises during your application process. 

Visa requirements are changing across top study destinations, and staying updated is crucial. Planning, tracking costs, and using tools like the IDP’s cost-of-living calculator can make a big difference. Smart budgeting today can ease your study abroad journey tomorrow. By staying informed about visa requirements and financial obligations, you can better prepare for your study abroad experience.