From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has raised the standard Australia Student Visa fee to AUD 2,500 while introducing concessional pricing for eligible applicants from selected countries and education sectors.
In addition to the Student Visa fee increase, the government also increased the application charge for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), significantly increasing the overall cost of studying and remaining in Australia after graduation.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Australia’s latest Student Visa fee changes, including the new visa charges, concessional pricing, the Temporary Graduate Visa fee increase, and what these updates mean for future applicants.
New Australia Student Visa Fees from 1 July 2026
The updated Australia student visa fee applies to all valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
| Visa Category | Previous Fee | New Fee (From 1 July 2026) |
| Standard Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 |
| Independent ELICOS & Non-Award Sector | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,050 |
The government has also retained separate charges for additional applicants included in the same visa application, such as spouses and dependent children, in accordance with the official visa pricing schedule.
New Concessional Student Visa Fees Introduced
Alongside the standard Australia student visa fee increase, Australia has introduced a concessional pricing framework for eligible applicants. Instead of applying the same visa application charge to every applicant, the Department of Home Affairs now provides reduced Student Visa fees for selected groups.
The concessional fee applies to:
- Eligible citizens of ASEAN countries
- Eligible citizens of Pacific Island nations
- Citizens of Timor-Leste
Eligible ASEAN Countries
Students holding valid passports from the following ASEAN member countries qualify for the concessional Student Visa application charge:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Although Timor-Leste is a member of ASEAN, its citizens receive the concession under the separate Pacific Island and Timor-Leste category rather than the ASEAN category.
Eligible Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste
Australia has also introduced concessional Student Visa pricing for applicants from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste as part of its broader regional engagement strategy. Eligible passport holders include citizens of:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
These applicants automatically receive the reduced visa application charge when lodging a valid Student Visa application using an eligible passport.
Student Visa Fees for Independent ELICOS and Non-Award Students
The Australian Government has also introduced a separate concessional pricing category for students applying under the Independent ELICOS and Non-Award sectors.
Students enrolled in these education sectors pay a reduced Student Visa application charge of AUD 2,050, compared with the standard AUD 2,500 fee.
What is Independent ELICOS?
Independent English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) are standalone English language programs that are not packaged with another qualification, such as a university degree or vocational course.
Many international students choose Independent ELICOS programs to improve their English language proficiency before applying for higher education or employment opportunities.
What is the Non-Award Sector?
The Non-Award sector includes approved study programs that do not lead to a formal Australian qualification. These programs often include:
- Student exchange programs
- Foundation or preparatory studies
- Research attachments
- Short-term academic programs
- Other approved non-award courses
What Do These Changes Mean for International Students?
The revised Australia student visa fee significantly increases the overall cost of studying in Australia.
While tuition fees and living expenses have always been major considerations, government visa application charges now represent a much larger portion of the total financial commitment required before arriving in Australia.
For example, a student applying together with a spouse may now need to budget several thousand additional Australian dollars solely for visa application charges.
Prospective students should also remember that visa costs are only one component of the total study budget. Other major expenses include:
- Tuition fees
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English language test fees
- Health examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Daily living expenses
Read more: Study in Australia in 2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the Australia Student Visa fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the standard Australia Student Visa fee (Subclass 500) is AUD 2,500 for most applicants. Eligible applicants from selected countries and education sectors may qualify for concessional visa application charges.
When did the new Student Visa fee come into effect?
The revised Student Visa application charges apply to all valid applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Who is eligible for the concessional Student Visa fee?
Reduced Student Visa application charges are available to eligible applicants from selected ASEAN countries, Pacific Island nations, and Timor-Leste, as well as students enrolled in the Independent ELICOS and Non-Award sectors.
Do I need to apply separately for the concessional visa fee?
No. Eligible applicants are automatically identified through their passport when they lodge a Student Visa application via ImmiAccount. If eligible, the lower application charge is applied during the application process.
Does the Student Visa fee increase affect visa eligibility?
No. The increase only changes the government application charge. Applicants must still satisfy all existing visa requirements, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, health and character requirements, and any financial evidence requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Final Thoughts
The decision to increase the Australia Student Visa fee to AUD 2,500 marks another significant shift in its international education landscape. At the same time, the introduction of concessional visa pricing for eligible applicants from ASEAN countries, Pacific Island nations, Timor-Leste, and selected education sectors demonstrates Australia’s continued commitment to supporting regional education partnerships.
For prospective students, the key is to understand the latest policy changes, prepare financially, and submit a well-prepared visa application based on the most up-to-date government requirements.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
How eduaid Can Help
At eduaid, our experienced education counsellors and MARA Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0641338) provide personalised guidance throughout your study abroad journey.
Whether you need help selecting the right course, applying to Australian institutions, preparing your Genuine Student (GS) documents, understanding the latest visa requirements, or lodging your Student Visa application, our team is here to support you with accurate, up-to-date advice.
Book a consultation today and start your Australian education journey with confidence.