Engineers Australia to Raise MSA Fees from 1 July 2026

Engineers Australia (EA) has announced an increase to its Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) fees for the 2026-27 financial year. The changes take effect on 1 July 2026 and apply to all new MSA applications lodged on or after that date. This follows a similar pattern of annual fee adjustments by assessing bodies across the Australian skilled migration system.

The source for this update is the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) Notice 57, issued on 8 May 2026. Applicants and employers currently planning engineering-related skilled migration pathways should factor the new fees into their budget and application timeline.

What Is the Engineers Australia MSA?

The Migration Skills Assessment is a formal evaluation conducted by Engineers Australia for applicants seeking to use an engineering occupation to apply for a points-tested visa, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa. A positive MSA outcome is a mandatory prerequisite before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Engineers Australia assesses a wide range of engineering occupations, including civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and structural engineering. Applicants must demonstrate that their qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for their nominated occupation.

What Are the New Fees?

Engineers Australia has not released a single consolidated fee schedule in the MIA notice, and the precise dollar amounts for each application category will be confirmed on the Engineers Australia official website from 1 July 2026. Applicants should check the current fee schedule directly with Engineers Australia before lodging. As a general guide, MSA fees have historically ranged across different assessment categories, including:

Application CategoryNotesStandard MSA (Overseas applicants)Primary assessment pathway for offshore applicantsStandard MSA (Australia-based applicants)For applicants currently residing in AustraliaRe-assessment / ReviewApplicable where a first assessment outcome is disputed

Updated pricing will be published by Engineers Australia directly. Applicants should not rely on fee figures from third-party sources, as these may not reflect the 2026-27 schedule.

Who Is Affected?

The fee increase applies to all applicants who lodge a new MSA application on or after 1 July 2026. Applicants who have already lodged and paid for their MSA before that date are not affected by the increase for their current application.

The increase is particularly relevant for engineers planning to apply for a points-tested visa through SkillSelect, as well as for employers and migration lawyers advising engineering professionals on their migration options.

Practical Steps to Consider

1. If you are ready to proceed with your MSA, consider lodging your application before 1 July 2026 to lock in the current fee schedule.
2. Confirm the exact fee amounts directly on the Engineers Australia website or by contacting EA before lodging.
3. Ensure your qualification documents and employment reference letters are fully prepared before submission, as incomplete applications can cause delays and additional costs.
4. Seek legal advice if you are unsure which engineering occupation to nominate, as an incorrect nomination can result in a negative outcome and the need to re-apply.

Key Takeaways

• Engineers Australia will increase its MSA fees from 1 July 2026, as notified in MIA Notice 57 (8 May 2026).
• The increase applies to all new applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
• Applicants with a pending or already-lodged MSA are not affected for that application.
• Lodging before 1 July 2026, if you are ready, may reduce your overall migration costs.
• Always confirm current fees directly with Engineers Australia 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.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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