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ELICOS Visa Fee Now Separate: Subclass 500 in 2026

Riverwood Migration

July 6, 2026

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A New Fee Structure for Language Course Applicants

Effective 1 July 2026, Australia has restructured how student visa fees apply to English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). For the first time, a separate fee of AUD $2,050 applies to applicants enrolling solely in an ELICOS course under the Student visa (Subclass 500). Previously, all Subclass 500 applicants shared a single fee, which was AUD $2,000 prior to this change.

At the same time, the standard Subclass 500 fee for non-ELICOS students has increased from $2,000 to AUD $2,500. This is the second fee increase in 12 months, following the increase that took effect in July 2025.

Who Pays Which Fee

Applicant CategoryVisa Application Fee (from 1 Jul 2026)Standard Subclass 500 (non-ELICOS)AUD $2,500ELICOS-only Subclass 500AUD $2,050ASEAN country applicantsAUD $2,050 (lower rate)Pacific Island country applicantsAUD $745

The ELICOS rate was not reduced despite lobbying from industry groups who argued that the short-term and preparatory nature of English language courses warranted a lower fee. The government instead set the ELICOS fee marginally above the previous shared rate of $2,000.

Subclass 485 Fee Also Rises Sharply

Alongside the student visa changes, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) application fee has increased from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750, a rise of 25%. This is the second increase to the 485 fee within four months and adds significant cost to the post-study pathway for international graduates who wish to remain in Australia after completing their studies.

What This Means for Prospective ELICOS Students

Students intending to study an English language course in Australia as a standalone program, rather than as a packaged component of a higher education degree, must now budget for the $2,050 fee independently. This is not a combined or discounted fee: it is a discrete application charge for ELICOS enrolment under Subclass 500.

If your ELICOS course is packaged with a subsequent higher education or vocational qualification, you should confirm with your education provider and your migration lawyer which fee category applies to your specific visa application. The fee applicable at the time of lodgement is the fee payable, not the fee at the time you enrolled or paid your tuition deposit.

Context: Broader Visa Fee Increases from 1 July 2026

The ELICOS and student visa fee changes form part of a broader uplift across most major visa categories from 1 July 2026, including skilled migration, partner, and working holiday visas. These fee changes take effect immediately upon gazettal and apply to applications lodged on or after the effective date.

Applicants who lodged their Subclass 500 application before 1 July 2026 at the previous fee are not affected by this increase for that application. However, applicants who need to re-apply or lodge a new application must pay the current fee.

Key Takeaways

A new standalone ELICOS fee of AUD $2,050 applies under Subclass 500 from 1 July 2026.
The standard Subclass 500 fee has increased to AUD $2,500.
ASEAN applicants also pay the $2,050 rate; Pacific Island applicants continue at $745.
The Subclass 485 fee has increased to AUD $5,750, up 25%.
Fee changes apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
If your ELICOS course is part of a packaged offer with a degree program, confirm the applicable fee category with a registered migration lawyer 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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