Studying in Australia is just becoming more expensive. From July 1, 2026, Australia has increased visa application fees for international students, including Indians.
The biggest change is a 25% jump in the Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee, while graduates planning to stay and work after completing their studies will also pay more for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
New Australia Student Visa Fees
Australia has also introduced a dedicated visa fee for students enrolling in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), ending the earlier arrangement where these applicants followed the standard student visa fee structure.
The revised fee structure is now in effect:
| Visa Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | AUD 4,600 | AUD 5,750 |
| ELICOS Visa | Included under standard student visa | AUD 2,050 |
What This Means for International Students
For all international students, the increase adds another layer to an already expensive study abroad budget. Beyond tuition fees, living costs, health insurance and travel, applicants must now set aside hundreds of dollars more just to submit a visa application.
The impact is even greater because visa application charges are generally non-refundable. A rejected application now carries a higher financial risk.
Students planning to work in Australia after graduation should also budget for the higher Temporary Graduate Visa fee, which has increased by AUD 1,150.
Why Australia Raised the Fees
The Australian government says the revised charges are part of broader migration and immigration policy changes. The update also comes as parts of Australia’s international education sector, particularly English-language programmes, have seen slower enrolment growth.
Visa fees are increasingly being used as a policy tool rather than simply covering administrative costs. That trend has become more visible across several popular study destinations over the past two years.
Take
We believe Australia remains a popular study destination, but the rising visa costs mean Indian students need to budget more carefully. I would apply only after ensuring every document is complete to avoid an expensive refusal.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!
The post Planning to Study in Australia? New Student Visa Fees Take Effect From July 2026 appeared first on .
