Planning to study in Australia? If you’re an international student preparing your application for 2026, there’s an important update you need to know about. The Australian government has implemented significant changes to student visa fees that will impact your study abroad budget. Understanding these changes early will help you plan better and avoid any surprises during your application process.
The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) has long been one of the most popular pathways for international students seeking quality education in Australia. However, recent fee increases mean that prospective students need to adjust their financial planning accordingly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the new visa costs, why they’ve increased, and how to navigate these changes successfully.
What is the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)?
The Student visa (Subclass 500) is Australia’s primary visa category for international students who want to study full-time in the country. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies and provides several important benefits that make it attractive to students worldwide.
It allows you to:
- Enrol in a registered course
- Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms
- Include family members in your application
- Travel in and outside Australia multiple times during your stay
Eligibility requirements include enrolment confirmation, English language proficiency, financial capacity, and health insurance.
New Student Visa Cost in 2026
If you are applying for a student visa after 1 July 2025, your student visa application fees will be AUD$2,000 per visa application, representing a 25% increase from the previous fee of AUD$1,600.
The fee structure is now:
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Secondary applicant (18+) | $1,190 | $1,225 |
| Secondary applicant (<18) | $390 | $400 |
Note: You can also check the exact, updated fees anytime using the official visa pricing estimator.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If your visa application is refused, the application fee is not refundable. You would need to pay the full fee again if you choose to reapply. This is why it’s important to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.
Are there any exemptions to the increased fees?
Some applicants may be exempt from certain fees based on their country of origin or specific circumstances. Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants may have different fee structures. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current exemption criteria.
Don’t let the recent changes in Australian student visa costs catch you off guard. Reach out now to speak with our experienced migration agents who can provide personalised advice and assist you in preparing a successful visa application.
What Other Costs Should International Students Plan For?
Beyond the visa application fee, international students must budget for several additional costs that are mandatory for studying in Australia:
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All student visa holders in Australia must maintain adequate health insurance through an approved OSHC provider. The costs vary depending on your policy type:
- Singles: from AUD $478 for 12 months
- Couples: around AUD $2,600
- Family: AUD $4,200 or more
- Comprehensive coverage: between AUD $3,076 and AUD $3,364
Tip: Always compare OSHC providers to find the best coverage for your needs.
Medical examinations and biometrics
To complete your visa application, you’ll need to undergo a health examination and provide biometric data. Additionally, your documents might need to be translated and certified. Here’s a breakdown:
- Medical Examination: AUD $300 – $500
- Biometric Collection: AUD $160
- Document Translation: AUD $30 – $50 per page
- Document Certification: AUD $50 – $100 per document
These costs can vary depending on your country of residence.
Living expenses
These are perhaps the most significant ongoing costs:
- From May 2024 (for 2025 applications), the Department of Home Affairs now requires evidence of access to at least AUD $29,710 per year for living expenses, up from the previous AUD $24,505. This significant increase directly affects your financial planning and visa eligibility.
- Actual costs in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne often exceed this amount significantly
Tuition fees
Although not part of the visa cost, tuition fees are often the largest financial commitment for international students. These vary depending on your institution and course:
- Undergraduate programs: AUD $30,000-45,000 per year
- Postgraduate programs: AUD $35,000-50,000 annually
- Professional programs (medicine, veterinary science): significantly more expensive
Why Has the Cost Increased?
The Australian government has implemented this fee increase as part of a broader strategy to manage international student numbers and address infrastructure challenges. The number of new international students arriving in Australia surged to nearly 200,000 in February 2025 (up 12.1% year-on-year), leading to serious rental shortages.
Current Policy Implementation: The Labour Party’s election promise to increase student visa fees from AUD $1,600 to AUD $2,000 has now been implemented. This policy change is projected to generate approximately AUD 760 million over four years, which will fund migration system improvements and regional infrastructure development.
Alternative Proposals Under Discussion: The Coalition party has proposed even steeper increases, suggesting:
- AUD $2,500 for general student visa applicants
- Up to AUD $5,000 for Group of Eight university students (University of Queensland, UNSW, University of Sydney, Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, University of Western Australia, and University of Adelaide)
In summary, the government says higher fees:
- Cover rising administrative costs and faster processing
- Support a sustainable migration program
- Encourage financially prepared, genuinely committed students
Despite the higher cost, Australia remains attractive for its quality education, post-study work rights, and pathways to permanent residency.
Bonus Update: Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Also Rise (July 2025)
While not part of the student visa itself, it’s worth noting that if you plan to stay and work in Australia after graduation, the minimum salary requirements for skilled visas like Subclass 482 and 186 have increased. From July 1, 2025, employers must offer at least AUD 76,515 under most streams.
Restrictions on Onshore Student Visa Applications (“Visa Hopping”)
To prevent “visa hopping,” significant restrictions have been placed on applying for a student visa from within Australia if you hold certain temporary visas.
- From July 2025 (or potentially earlier, with new CoE requirements from Jan 1, 2025): Holders of certain temporary visas (e.g., Visitor visas or some Temporary Graduate visas) may no longer be able to apply for a student visa while onshore.
- Implication: If affected, you might need to depart Australia and apply for your student visa from your home country or another offshore location.
- New CoE Requirement for Onshore Applications (From January 1, 2025): All onshore applicants must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) at the time of application, replacing the previous allowance of a Letter of Offer. Failing to provide a CoE will make the application invalid and prevent the grant of an associated Bridging visa.
- Advice: Carefully check your current visa conditions and the latest Department of Home Affairs guidelines to understand if these restrictions apply to you. Plan your application strategy accordingly to maintain a lawful status.
Conclusion
The increase in Australian student visa fees represents a significant change that requires careful financial planning from prospective international students. While the AUD $2,000 fee represents a substantial investment, Australia continues to offer world-class education, excellent post-study work opportunities, and potential pathways to permanent residency.
The key to successfully navigating these changes is early and comprehensive planning. Start your financial planning well in advance, research all associated costs thoroughly, and consider seeking professional advice to ensure you’re making informed decisions about your study abroad journey.
Keep yourself updated on official changes by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website and our student services. Immigration policies and requirements can change, and staying informed will help you avoid surprises and delays.
Ready to start your Australian study journey? Contact us today to discuss your options and develop a plan that accounts for the new visa fees and requirements. With proper planning and professional guidance, you can successfully navigate the changes and achieve your goal of studying in Australia.