UK Introduces New Fees for Visa-Exempt Travellers Amid Cost Increases

Higher Visa Fees and Tuition Hikes Strain Accessibility to International Opportunities

Starting April 1, Indian travellers heading to the United Kingdom or Australia will face higher visa charges across various categories. This increase aligns with a global trend, as the United States recently revised its visa fees as well. With a hike of approximately 13%, the changes will impact a diverse range of individuals, including tourists, students, and professionals, with Indian students and skilled workers likely to be the most affected.

In the United Kingdom, the revised fees include adjustments for both short-term and long-term visas. For instance, a six-month standard visitor visa will now cost ₹14,000 (£127), up from ₹12,700 (£115). Meanwhile, the two-year visa fee has risen to ₹52,392 (£475), while a five-year visa will cost ₹93,533 (£848), and a ten-year visa will now be ₹116,806 (£1,059). Additionally, student visa fees have also increased. Regular student and child student visas now cost ₹57,796 (£524), up from £490. Short-term study visas for English language courses lasting six to eleven months have risen to ₹23,604 (£214), compared to the previous £200.

In the work visa category, the Skilled Worker visa for up to three years will now cost ₹84,820 (£769), and the Innovator Founder visa has risen significantly to ₹140,520 (£1,274). Employers, too, will face increased costs, as the Certificate of Sponsorship fee has more than doubled to ₹57,907 (£525), up from £239. Similarly, sponsor license fees for large companies have increased to ₹174,162 (£1,579), while small businesses and charities will now pay ₹63,311 (£574). Furthermore, the UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee of ₹1,765 (£16) for visa-exempt travellers, such as those from the US and the EU.

In parallel with these visa fee hikes, the UK government has also permitted universities in England to raise tuition fees to match inflation. Consequently, the current cap of ₹10.2 lakh (£9,250) will increase to ₹11.58 lakh (£10,500) over five years, starting with students enrolling in the 2025-26 academic year. In Australia, while specific visa fee details have not been disclosed, several universities have already announced tuition fee hikes for international students starting in 2025. For example, the University of Melbourne has increased the cost of an engineering degree to AUD 56,480 (approximately ₹30.36 lakh) annually, while clinical medicine fees have risen to AUD 112,832 (₹60.66 lakh). Similarly, most courses at the University of New South Wales will now cost AUD 58,560 per year. These increases have been attributed to mounting cost pressures, with international students remaining a key source of revenue.

The hike in visa fees, coupled with rising tuition costs, will likely pose additional financial challenges for Indian travellers and international students, making access to global opportunities increasingly expensive.

Editor's Note:

The recent increase in visa and tuition fees in the UK and Australia highlights the growing financial barriers to global education and work opportunities. Indian students, already facing high costs for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, are hit hardest by these hikes. Raising visa and tuition fees could discourage many from studying abroad, limiting diversity and innovation in education. Professionals and businesses are also affected, with higher costs for work visas, sponsorships, and licenses, which may reduce global mobility and access to skilled talent. The introduction of new charges, like the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation fee, shows how international travel and education are becoming more expensive. While these fee increases are often justified by financial pressures, they risk creating a divide between those who can afford global opportunities and those who cannot. This could hinder the aspirations of millions who depend on education for a better future.

Skoobuzz emphasises that policymakers must find a balance between financial sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that education remains accessible to people from all backgrounds. The long-term benefits of attracting international talent far outweigh short-term revenue gains.