Australia has once again increased its Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee, making it one of the highest student visa charges globally. Effective 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has increased the standard student visa application charge from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500 a 25% increase introduced at the start of the new financial year.
What Has Changed?
Under the new fee structure:
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Most Applicants
- Previous Fee: AUD $2,000
- New Fee: AUD $2,500
- Increase: AUD $500
2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
2.1 Offshore Applicants
- Before: AUD $200
- Now: AUD $250
- Increase: AUD $50 (25%)
2.2 Onshore Applicants
- Now: AUD $500 – No Change
Australia has also introduced a separate visa application charge of AUD $2,050 for eligible ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) and certain Non-Award student visa applicants, creating a new pricing tier for these study categories.
Why Is This Important?
This is the second major increase in Australia’s student visa fees within two years. The higher application charge means prospective international students should carefully review their overall study budget before applying.
While the visa fee has increased, students should remember that the application cost is only one part of the total expense. Other costs may include:
- Tuition fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English language test fees
- Health examinations
- Biometrics (where required)
- Living expenses
Who Is Affected?
The AUD $2,500 application charge applies to most new Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
Eligible applicants in specific categories, including ELICOS and certain Non-Award programs, may instead pay the new AUD $2,050 application charge, subject to Australian Government eligibility requirements.
What Should Future Students Do?
If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s more important than ever to:
- Budget for the revised visa application charges.
- Prepare a complete and accurate application before lodging.
- Understand all associated study and migration costs.
- Seek professional guidance if you’re unsure about your eligibility or application strategy.
Final Thoughts
Australia remains one of the world’s leading destinations for international education, offering globally recognised universities and strong post-study opportunities. However, the latest increase in Student Visa (Subclass 500) fees highlights the importance of careful financial planning before beginning your study abroad journey.
If you’re considering studying in Australia, staying updated on the latest immigration and student visa changes can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.