The Australian Department of Home Affairs has increased visa application fees for international students, effective 1 July 2026. The changes were introduced with no phase-in period and apply to new applications immediately.
The new fees
- Student visa (subclass 500) — higher education and vocational (VET): up from AU$2,000 to AU$2,500, or AU$2,050 for students from ASEAN countries.
- Student visa for English-language courses (ELICOS): up from AU$2,000 to AU$2,050.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — for post-study work: up from AU$4,600 to AU$5,750.
- Partner visa: up from AU$9,365 to AU$11,710.
These fees are non-refundable — you do not get the money back if your visa is refused, which matters given elevated refusal rates for students from several markets.
Now the most expensive in the world
At AU$2,500, Australia's student visa application charge is far higher than comparable fees in other major destinations — roughly AU$775 in the United States, AU$935 in the UK, AU$240 in Canada and AU$790 in New Zealand, according to figures published by ICEF Monitor. The student visa fee has risen by around 285% since 2022.
What it means for you
Budget for the higher, non-refundable fee before you apply, and make your application as strong as possible the first time — a refusal now costs you AU$2,500 as well as time. If you are choosing between destinations on cost, factor the visa fee in alongside tuition and living costs. Students from ASEAN countries pay the lower AU$2,050 rate.
Use our study cost calculator to estimate the full cost of studying in Australia, and read verified reviews of Australia-focused consultancies before you choose an agent to lodge your application.
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs (current visa pricing); ICEF Monitor.