The ultimate international student guide to visa fees, from lowest to highest cost

Achieving your dream of studying overseas is no small feat.

You’ve worked tirelessly to meet the required grades and penned a great application essay before snagging that acceptance letter to study abroad.

But here comes the next hurdle: obtaining a student visa, an essential step that can be just as challenging as the academic requirements.

It’s not just about filling out forms; you’ll need to understand those student visa fees that seem to be climbing higher every year — like that 125% increase for Australia. 

Stricter regulations are making international students think twice about their destinations too. 

So the question is: how do you navigate this financially tricky landscape to fulfil your study abroad dreams?

The affordable pathways to global education

In response to the rising costs of studying abroad, international students have begun to set their sights on destinations with more affordable student visa fees.

The Czech Republic is a popular choice for international students due to its low student visa cost, requiring just US$1,600 annually.

This affordability is matched by a rich educational landscape, offering diverse programmes at esteemed institutions. Students can pursue their interests while enjoying the vibrant culture and history of cities like Prague.

Italy attracts international students with its blend of academic excellence and cultural heritage, requiring proof of US$7,680 annually for a student visa.

Renowned for its historical contributions to the arts and humanities, students are drawn to its quality education and rich cultural experiences, including world-class museums and beautiful landscapes.

With affordable visa fees and opportunities to immerse in rich cultural experiences, these destinations offer not just a pathway to education but also a chance for personal growth and exploration in new environments.

But if you’re determined to earn your degree from one of the more popular destinations, here’s all you need to know about your student visa, fees and everything included.

The student visa fees of the most popular study abroad destinations, from lowest to highest

Singapore

In Singapore, if you plan to enrol in a programme that exceeds 30 days, obtaining a Student Pass is essential.

Applications are made through the Student’s Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) system, managed by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

This pass has variations based on the programme’s duration and type. For shorter programmes, lasting up to three months, you can apply for a short-term pass, while a long-term pass is required for bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

To get started, secure your admission letter from your chosen Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) and ensure it’s registered with SOLAR. The IHL will provide your details to the system, along with a reference number for your application.

Log in to the SOLAR website, complete e-Form 16, and be ready with your registration acknowledgement note, passport details, contact information, email address, and a recent passport-sized photograph. After reviewing your information, proceed to pay the application processing fee.

Typically, applications are processed swiftly, often within 15 days to a month, provided all requirements are met.

Key facts about student visa fees in Singapore:

*1 Singaporean dollar is equal to US$0.76 at the time of writing.

• Visa Processing Fee: 30 SGD (US$22.71)
• Visa Issuance Fee: 60 SGD (US$45.42) for each student pass issued in your name.

Hong Kong

After receiving an acceptance letter from a Hong Kong educational institution, non-local students must secure a student visa or entry permit. This applies to everyone, whether you’re in an exchange programme or pursuing full-time studies.

There are several options for submitting your application forms and supporting documents. You can choose to send them by post directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department or through a local sponsor.

Alternatively, applicants residing abroad may submit their applications in person at the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular mission, provided they include all relevant supporting documents and valid travel documentation.

Students enrolled in full-time, locally accredited programmes usually receive a stay that matches their study duration. Those in shorter programmes are typically granted a stay of 12 months upon entry or for the length of their studies, whichever is shorter.

The visa application process usually takes about six to eight weeks.

Key facts about student visa fees in Hong Kong:

*1 Hong Kong dollar is equal to US$0.13 at the time of writing.

• Student Visa: 230 HKD (US$29.61)

Canada

A Canadian study permit is different from a visa and its requirement depends on the length of your intended study period.

If your studies are for six months or less, a visitor visa is typically sufficient, and a study permit is not required. However, for longer study durations, both a visitor visa and a study permit are necessary.

The study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Generally, you must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada, though there are some cases where you can apply from within the country or at the port of entry upon arrival. 

When submitting your application, you must include a letter of acceptance from the DLI you plan to attend and either a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL).

The application process is completed online unless you have a disability that prevents you from doing so or hold a specific travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons. After submitting your application, you should book a biometrics collection appointment promptly to avoid delays.

It can take up to three months to receive your study permit, so it’s advisable to apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance.

Key facts about student visa fees in Canada:

*1 Canadian dollar is equal to US$0.72 at the time of writing.

• Study permit per person (including extensions): 150 CAD (US$108.48)
• Restore your status and get a new study permit: 379 CAD (US$274.09)

US

In the US, the type of student visa you need depends on your programme of study and the institution you plan to attend. There are three main visa types: F, M, and J.

• The F-1 visa is for students pursuing academic programmes.
• The M-1 visa applies to those enrolled in vocational studies.
• For exchange students, the J-1 visa is available and is commonly used by scholars, teachers, physicians, and other trainees.

Getting your US visa can take anywhere from a week to a few months — it all depends on your specific situation.

For most students, the application process is pretty quick, taking just a few days, and then you’ll need to wait a couple of extra days to get your passport back.

To start the process, you must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, the school will enrol you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which is required for your visa application.

Be sure to bring the Form I-20 to your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Key facts about student visa fees in the US:

• Visa application: US$185
• SEVIS I-901
  • For F or M visa applicants: US$350
  • For J visa applicants: US$220

China

The Chinese student visa system is divided into two categories: X1 and X2.

The X1 visa is intended for students enrolling in programmes longer than six months, while the X2 visa accommodates those in shorter programmes lasting less than six months.

Notably, the X2 visa permits only a single entry, whereas the X1 visa allows multiple entries and can be valid for up to five years.

For applicants seeking an X1 visa, the JW202 form — a letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution in China — is mandatory. This form must be accurate and correspond with the applicant’s passport details.

An official invitation letter from the host organization is also required, specifying the requested number of entries and matching the applicant’s name on their passport.

To complete the visa application, students should fill out the application form online, print it single-sided, and sign it in blue or black ink.

Additionally, applicants must include a Health Declaration Form, proof of travel arrangements, and a completed “Where You Stay” form in their application kit.

Key facts about student visa fees in China:

• Standard fees
  • Consular fee: US$140
  • Service fee: US$185
  • Processing time: 8 business days

• Expedited fees

• • Consular fee: US$140
  • Service fee: US$235
  • Processing time: 4 business days

Malaysia

For international students aspiring to study in Malaysia, obtaining a Student Pass is an essential step in the application process.

This pass is a requirement for all foreigners seeking enrollment in various educational institutions, including government and private schools, as well as public and private higher education institutions, language centres, and training centres under the Department of Skill Development.

For those coming from abroad, your educational institution will handle the Student Pass application for you. Once you’ve secured the necessary approvals, you can head to the nearest Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate to obtain your visa. Just remember to bring your offer letter with you.

If you’re already in Malaysia, you can submit your application directly at your institution.

After approval, you’ll receive a JP Visa for free, but keep in mind that fees apply for the Student Pass and any Multiple Entry Visas. Make sure you have a support letter from the Ministry of Education or the Department of Skill Development, your offer letter, and two sets of specific forms along with your passport copies ready to go.

However, students from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan must apply directly at the Department of Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya. 

Expect the processing time for a Malaysian Student Visa to be between one to three weeks. The Visa office usually takes about 14 days to approve the Visa Approval Letter and verify applicants’ documents.

Key facts about student visa fees in Malaysia:

*1 Malaysian Ringgit is equal to US$0.23 at the time of writing.

• Private higher institutes: 1,060 MYR to 1,560 MYR (US$243.65 to US$358.58)
• Private institutes: 810 MYR to 1,060 MYR (US$186.19 to US$243.65)
  
• International-accredited centres: 810 MYR to 1,060 MYR (US$186.19 to US$243.65)
• Public institutes: 810 MYR to 1,560 MYR (US$186.19 to US$358.58)

New Zealand

New Zealand offers several pathways tailored to different needs, from full-time academic programmes to short-term visits.

The Fee Paying Student Visa allows you to study full-time in the programme specified on your visa, covering schools, tertiary education, and English language programmes. This visa grants a stay of up to four years, with 80% of applications processed within six weeks.

For those seeking more flexibility, the Pathway Student Visa permits studying up to three consecutive programmes under one visa.

In addition to full-time studies, holders of this visa can work part-time (up to 20 hours weekly) and full-time during holidays, depending on the programme. You can stay up to five years, with 80% of applications processed within six weeks.

Once you have identified the appropriate visa, the next step is to begin the application process. Check the visa requirements, gather the necessary documents, and submit your application online or via paper. 

Key facts about student visa fees in New Zealand:

*1 New Zealand dollar is equal to US$0.60 at the time of writing.

• Fee Paying Student Visa: 750 NZD (US$450.81)
• Pathway Student Visa: 750 NZD (US$450.81)
• Visitor Visa: 341 NZD (US$204.97)

UK

For most international students in the UK, obtaining a student visa is essential. There are three main types of student visas available:

• If you are 16 or older and your programme lasts longer than six months, you’ll need to apply for the Student Route visa.
• The Short-term Student visa is available for English language courses lasting between six and 11 months.
• For students aged four to 17, a Child Student visa is required. This visa also requires parental consent and proof of sufficient financial resources to support your stay.

The visa application process begins with securing an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor. Once accepted, your university will issue a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you’re applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can submit your visa application is six months before your programme starts, with decisions usually made within three weeks.

If applying from inside the UK, you can apply up to three months before your programme begins, but your new programme must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

Key facts about student visa fees in the UK:

*1 pound is equal to US$1.29 at the time of writing.

• To apply for a Student visa from outside the UK: 490 pounds (US$633.19)
• To extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK: 490 pounds (US$633.19)

Australia

Australia’s Student visa (subclass 500) is the go-to for most international students. With it, you can study in Australia, travel in and out of the country, and even work part-time (48 hours every fortnight) while your programme is in session.

But that’s not your only option.

The Training visa (subclass 407) gives you a chance to gain real-world experience through workplace-based training. Whether you want to upskill in your profession or boost your academic knowledge, this visa has you covered.

Once you’ve been accepted into your chosen programme, your institution will provide a Letter of Offer. After you accept and pay the required deposit, your school will send a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This document is key — without it, your visa application, which takes 53 days to be processed, can’t move forward.

On top of that, you’ll need to show that you’ve got enough funds to support yourself. As of October 2024, the current minimum financial requirement is 29,710 Australian dollars (US$19,723.28)

And don’t forget your health insurance — the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory and will keep you covered for any medical needs during your time in Australia.

Key facts about student visa fees in Australia:

*1 AUD is equal to US$0.66 at the time of writing.

• Student visa (subclass 500): Starts at 1,600 AUD (US$1,062.18) for the main applicant.
• Training visa (subclass 407): Starts at 415 AUD (US$275.50).