Studying in Australia has always required serious financial planning, but lately, the cost of simply getting permission to study there has become a story of its own.
What was once a relatively small part of the overall study abroad budget has turned into a major upfront expense. And with another visa fee change taking effect in 2026, students are once again being asked to rethink how much they need before they even board a flight.
This time, however, the impact is not the same for everyone. While most applicants are facing a steeper cost, certain groups have been given some breathing room. The difference has raised an important question: why are some students paying less than others?
Here is what the latest change means for international students planning their Australian study journey.
What Changed on 1 July 2026?
The application fee for Australia’s main Student visa, Subclass 500, increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500. That is a 25% rise for most international students.
The change took effect immediately, leaving students who were already preparing their applications with little time to adjust their budgets.
The Temporary Graduate visa, Subclass 485, has also become significantly more expensive. The fee is now AUD 5,750, up from AUD 4,600. Earlier in March 2026, it had already increased from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600.
This means the cost of applying for a Temporary Graduate visa has more than doubled within a matter of months.
The increase in Student visa fees is even more striking when viewed over a longer period. In 2024, the Subclass 500 application fee was AUD 710. It then increased to AUD 1,600, reached AUD 2,000 in 2025, and now stands at AUD 2,500.
In just two years, the fee has increased by more than 250%.
Who Has to Pay the Higher Fee?
Most international students applying for a standard Subclass 500 visa now need to pay AUD 2,500. This generally includes students enrolling in:
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programs
- Other eligible higher education and vocational courses
The higher fee applies regardless of whether you are applying from India or most other countries.
Graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their studies also face a much higher upfront cost. Those applying for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa now need to budget AUD 5,750 for the application alone.
However, not every applicant is paying the same amount.
Applicants from eligible Pacific Island countries continue to pay a much lower fee of AUD 745 under Australia’s arrangements with its Pacific neighbours.
Why Did ELICOS Students Get Some Relief?
Students travelling to Australia primarily for an ELICOS course, or English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students, have been spared the full increase.
A separate fee tier of AUD 2,050 now applies to certain applicants, including eligible ELICOS students, applicants from ASEAN countries, and students participating in study abroad programs.
For ELICOS students, the difference is significant when compared with the increase faced by standard Student visa applicants. Their fee has risen only slightly from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,050, while the standard fee has increased to AUD 2,500.
However, calling this a “discount” would be misleading. ELICOS students are still paying more than before. They have simply been protected from the full increase.
The English language education sector had pushed for greater relief, arguing that many ELICOS programs last only four or five months. For students taking a relatively short course, paying a large, non-refundable visa application fee can significantly increase the overall cost of studying in Australia.
The government did not reduce the fee, but the smaller increase has still been viewed as a partial win for the sector.
Why Is Australia Increasing Student Visa Fees?
The fee increase is part of a much broader shift in Australia’s approach to international education and migration.
The Australian government has been tightening student visa rules with the aim of attracting genuine students and reducing the use of study visas primarily as a pathway to work or long-term migration.
Higher visa fees are only one part of this strategy. In recent years, Australia has also introduced stricter visa requirements and taken steps to manage international student numbers across universities and education providers.
The government has described these changes as part of an effort to build a more controlled and sustainable international education system.
For students, however, the result is clear: studying in Australia now requires more careful financial and application planning than before.
How Has Australia’s Education Sector Reacted?
The reaction from parts of the international education sector has been critical.
Industry representatives have raised concerns about the timing of the announcement, particularly the lack of a transition period for students already preparing their applications.
There are also concerns about Australia’s competitiveness as a study destination. With students already comparing tuition fees, living costs, visa rules, and post-study opportunities across countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, and New Zealand, a higher upfront visa cost could influence where they choose to study.
The ELICOS sector has been particularly vocal. English language education providers have reported declines in student visa applications following previous fee increases and remain concerned about the long-term impact on short-term international study in Australia.
The lower AUD 2,050 fee may soften the impact for some students, but industry concerns have not disappeared.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
The biggest takeaway is that visa costs can no longer be treated as a small administrative expense when planning to study in Australia.
If you are applying for a standard Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or another eligible program, you may need to budget AUD 2,500 for the Subclass 500 visa application.
If you qualify for the lower ELICOS, ASEAN, or study abroad fee tier, the application cost is AUD 2,050.
Students planning to remain in Australia after graduation under the Temporary Graduate visa should also factor the AUD 5,750 application fee into their post-study plans.
These costs come on top of tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover, proof of funds, accommodation, travel, and everyday living expenses.
There is another important factor to consider: visa application fees are generally non-refundable if an application is refused.
That makes getting the application right the first time even more important. Missing documents, unclear financial evidence, or an application that does not clearly demonstrate genuine study intentions can now carry an even greater financial cost.
What Does the Fee Hike Mean for Indian Students?
For Indian students and their families, the increase adds another significant expense to an already substantial study abroad budget.
Australia remains a major destination for Indian students, but applicants now need to account for higher visa costs much earlier in the planning process. This is particularly important for students managing multiple expenses at once, including tuition deposits, health insurance, proof of funds, flights, and accommodation.
Applying early and preparing documents carefully can help reduce unnecessary delays or mistakes. Since a visa refusal could mean losing a substantial application fee, students should make sure their financial documents, academic records, study plans, and other required evidence are complete before submitting their application.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s 2026 visa fee changes continue a clear trend: the financial barrier to studying and staying in the country is getting higher.
Most Student visa applicants now face a significantly larger upfront cost, while Temporary Graduate visa applicants have seen an even sharper increase. ELICOS students and certain other groups have received limited relief through a lower fee tier, although they have not been completely protected from rising costs.
For anyone planning to study in Australia, visa fees should now be treated as a major part of the overall budget rather than a last-minute administrative expense.
With visa costs and policies changing frequently, students should check the latest requirements before applying and make sure their application is complete, accurate, and financially well planned.
Need Help With Your Australian Student Visa?
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