Nigerian Students to Face Over ₦2 Million Visa Fees as Australia Mulls Drastic Hike Fair Policy or Silent Discrimination?
Nigerian Abroad students cry as Australia’s Proposed Visa Fee Hike Sparks Outrage Among Nigerian Students and Stakeholders
In a move that has sparked global backlash, the Australian government is considering a significant increase in student visa fees, which could see Nigerians and other international students paying over ₦2 million (approx. AUD 2,160) just to enter the country for educational purposes.
This proposal, which is part of a broader immigration overhaul aimed at “tightening” Australia’s international student intake, has ignited controversy, especially in Africa’s most populous country Nigeria.
Is Australia Pricing Out African Students?
While the Australian government insists the proposed fee hike is about “quality control” and ensuring only “genuine students” are admitted, critics argue it’s a thinly veiled attempt to curb immigration from lower-income nations, including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and several African states.
According to reseach, currently, student visa fees stand at around AUD 710 (₦720,000). Under the proposed changes, this could triple, pushing it well beyond the reach of average Nigerian families a move many see as discriminatory.
“Let’s not sugarcoat it this is a form of financial gatekeeping,” says Adaobi Nwokoye, an education consultant in Lagos. “You’re essentially telling African students, ‘You’re not welcome here unless you’re rich.’”
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The Real Cost of Studying Abroad Just Got Higher
For lots of Nigerian students, Australia has long been a top study destination due to its high education standards and relatively welcoming visa policies. However, with the proposed hike, the combined cost of tuition, health insurance, and living expenses could exceed ₦20 million annually ooooh!!! a price tag that threatens to crush dreams and limit access to global education.
Social Media Reacts: #VisaApartheid Trends in Nigeria
Twitter has exploded with reactions. The hashtag #VisaApartheid has gained momentum, with users accusing Australia of creating a “two tier visa system” that penalizes Africans and favors Westerners.
“Education is a right, not a luxury,” tweeted @NaijaScholar. “Australia, stop weaponizing visa fees against African youth. #VisaApartheid #SayNoToDiscrimination”
Nigerian Government Yet to Respond
As of press time, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released any official statement. However, education stakeholders are urging the federal government to engage diplomatically with Canberra and protect the interests of Nigerian students abroad.
Some experts are also calling on Australia’s universities many of which rely heavily on international student tuition to oppose the fee hikes, well the menister of education has even gone further to tell nigeria students that what ever they want to study abroad can be study in nigeria as well.so theres no need for abroad studies; which could result in mass enrollment drops from Africa and Asia.
whatsnextng Thoughts: A Slippery Slope?
While every country has the right to set its immigration policies, targeting student visas with exorbitant fees feels too far, especially when education is supposed to be a bridge between nations, not a barrier. Nevertheless, for very determined students, there’s always a way around it, so don’t be discouraged
If the fee hike is approved, it won’t just be a financial blow — it will be a message to thousands of aspiring Nigerian students: Your dreams are valid, but only if you can pay a premium.
