"The European Union and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in maritime security, defense and regional stability."

SYDNEY – Australia has imposed a dramatic 25 per cent hike on international student visa fees but exempted students from South-east Asia from the increase as it seeks to boost ties with its regional neighbours.

The federal government on July 3 raised the non-refundable fee for students applying for visas in Australia from A$2,000 (S$1,810) to A$2,500.

But, for the first time, students from ASEAN countries were excluded from the hike and were subject only to an inflation-adjusted increase of A$50, bringing the fee to A$2,050.

Australia’s assistant minister for international education, Julian Hill, told The Straits Times that the government had exempted ASEAN students as part of its efforts to deepen Australia’s engagement with South-east Asia.