Australia has introduced another major increase to its Student visa application charges, with different rates now applying depending on an applicant’s passport and course sector.

From 1 July 2026, the standard base application charge for the Subclass 500 Student visa increased by 25 per cent, from A$2,000 to A$2,500.

The latest increase follows several consecutive fee rises. The standard charge increased from A$710 to A$1,600 on 1 July 2024, rose to A$2,000 on 1 July 2025, and has now reached A$2,500.

At this level, Australia’s Student visa application charge is widely regarded as the highest among major English-speaking study destinations. However, direct comparisons should be treated carefully, as some countries impose separate healthcare, biometric or student-registration charges.

The ASEAN Concessional Rate

Eligible passport holders from certain Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries pay a lower Subclass 500 base application charge of A$2,050.

This means eligible ASEAN applicants pay A$450 less than applicants who are subject to the standard A$2,500 charge.

The concessional arrangement is consistent with the Australian Government’s broader commitment to strengthening education, economic and regional engagement with South-East Asia.

Eligible ASEAN passport holders generally include citizens of:

• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• the Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Timor-Leste is treated separately under the Pacific Island and Timor-Leste concessional arrangement and is not charged the A$2,050 ASEAN rate.

Lower Fee for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Applicants

Eligible passport holders from specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste are subject to a substantially lower Student visa base application charge of A$745.

Applicants should not assume that ASEAN membership alone determines the applicable charge. Timor-Leste, for example, falls under the separate Pacific and Timor-Leste fee category.

ELICOS and Non-Award Applicants

The A$2,050 rate is not limited to ASEAN passport holders.

Eligible applicants lodging a Student visa application in the Independent ELICOS or Non-Award sectors may also be charged A$2,050, depending on their application circumstances.

The exact amount payable can depend on the applicant’s passport, education sector and other factors. Applicants should confirm the applicable charge through the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging.

Student Visa Fees from 1 July 2026

Applicant categoryBase application chargeMost Subclass 500 primary applicantsA$2,500Eligible ASEAN passport holdersA$2,050Eligible Independent ELICOS or Non-Award applicantsA$2,050Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holdersA$745

Additional applicant charges may apply when family members are included in an application.

Temporary Graduate Visa Fee Increased to A$5,750

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa base application charge also increased from A$4,600 to A$5,750 on 1 July 2026.

This represents an additional A$1,150 increase and follows an earlier rise from A$2,300 to A$4,600 in March 2026.

International students who intend to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa after completing their studies should now factor the substantially higher cost into their long-term financial planning.

Eligibility for a Subclass 485 visa is not automatic. The requirements and available stay period depend on factors including the applicant’s qualification, stream, age and individual circumstances.

Some vocational education graduates may need an eligible nominated occupation and a suitable skills assessment. Higher education graduates are assessed under different requirements.

Why Are Australian Visa Fees Increasing?

The fee increases form part of a broader government approach to managing the international education sector, strengthening visa integrity and increasing application charges across the migration program.

International education remains one of Australia’s most valuable export sectors, generating almost A$55 billion in export income during the 2025 calendar year.

However, higher application charges do not make a visa easier to obtain. Applicants must still satisfy all relevant requirements, including the Genuine Student requirement, financial capacity, English-language requirements where applicable, health and character criteria, and the conditions attached to their intended course.

How Australia Compares with Other Study Destinations

Australia’s upfront Student visa charge is significantly higher than comparable visa application charges in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Australia may still remain attractive to some international students because eligible graduates can access temporary post-study work options through the Subclass 485 visa.

Depending on the applicant’s qualification, stream and circumstances, an eligible graduate may receive a temporary stay period commonly ranging from 18 months to three years.

This should not be treated as a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency. Applicants should consider their course selection, occupation, skills assessment requirements and longer-term visa options before committing to a study program.

Practical Steps for Prospective Students

Before lodging a Student visa application, applicants should:

• Confirm which visa fee applies to their passport and course sector.
• Check the current charge through the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
• Confirm whether their course supports their genuine study and career objectives.
• Understand which Subclass 485 stream may apply after graduation.
• Budget for the A$5,750 Temporary Graduate visa charge if post-study work forms part of their plan.
• Review all previous visa applications and declarations for consistency.
• Address any previous refusals, study gaps or Genuine Student concerns before lodgement.

Visa application charges are generally not refunded when an application is refused or withdrawn. A complete and consistent application is therefore particularly important when application costs are this high.

Key Takeaways

The standard Subclass 500 Student visa charge increased to A$2,500 from 1 July 2026.

Eligible ASEAN passport holders generally pay the reduced rate of A$2,050.

Eligible Independent ELICOS and Non-Award applicants may also pay A$2,050.

Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders pay A$745.

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa charge has increased to A$5,750.

Applicants should confirm their correct fee category and assess their full study and post-study strategy before lodging.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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