If you're planning to study in Australia, or you're already preparing your visa application, there's an important change you should know about.
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government increased the Student visa (subclass 500) application charge from AUD$2,000 to AUD$2,500. This means Australia now has one of the highest student visa application fees in the world.
What's changed?
The standard application fee for a Student visa (subclass 500) is now AUD$2,500.
The increase is part of a broader rise in visa application charges across Australia's migration system, with fees for several other visa types also increasing from 1 July.
Does this affect everyone?
For most new international students, yes.
However, the Australian Government says some applicants will continue to pay the current application charge, plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment, including:
- Primary Student visa applicants holding passports from ASEAN member countries:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Students applying for independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses are also exempt. These arrangements recognise the shorter length of ELICOS and Non-Award study programs.
- Primary applicants holding passports from these countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
What about Temporary Graduate visas?
The Temporary Graduate Visa application charge increased from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750 from 1 July 2026. The existing concession for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants continues to apply. These students will continue to pay the current application charge, plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment.
Why have the fees increased?
The Australian Government has not released a detailed explanation specifically for the student visa increase, but it has said the broader visa fee changes are part of its migration policy and budget measures.
The increases have sparked debate across Australia's international education sector. Universities, student groups and migration advocates argue the higher costs could discourage prospective students and make Australia less competitive compared with other study destinations. The government maintains the changes are part of its broader approach to managing migration.
What should future students do?
If you're planning to study in Australia:
- Budget for the new AUD$2,500 visa application charge.
- Check the latest visa fees before submitting your application, as charges can change over time.
- Make sure you meet all visa requirements before applying, as the application charge is generally non-refundable, even if your visa isn't granted.
Where can I find the latest information?
Visa charges and requirements can change, so it's always best to check official Australian Government resources before applying. The Australian Government's Study Australia website publishes updates whenever student visa application charges change.
