If you are planning to apply for a VETASSESS skills assessment, there is an important VETASSESS fees 2026 update to know about. From 9 September 2026, VETASSESS will introduce revised fees for a range of professional skills assessment and related services.
The new pricing applies to professional skills assessments and several related services, including Priority Processing, Chinese Qualifications Verification, some non-migration assessments and administration fees. However, trade occupation assessments are not affected by this increase.
Applicants who submit their applications before 9 September 2026 will continue to be charged according to the current fee schedule. This guide will explain the fee increase in detail.
What Is Changing in VETASSESS Fees in 2026?
VETASSESS has announced a revised fee schedule that will take effect from 9 September 2026. The changes are primarily related to professional skills assessment services. One important point is that not every service listed in the updated schedule has increased.
Some services will remain at their existing price despite appearing in the new fee schedule. For example, the Skills Assessment Support consultation services and several other services retain their current prices.
When Will the New VETASSESS Fees Apply?
The new VETASSESS fees 2026 will apply from 9 September 2026. Applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates, according to the information provided in the fee update.
If your application is ready and you are otherwise prepared to submit, you may want to consider the timing of your submission. However, applicants should not rush an assessment application simply to avoid a fee increase if their documents or employment evidence are incomplete.
New VETASSESS Fees for Full Skills Assessment
One of the most important changes concerns the Full Skills Assessment, including assessments for Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) and Industry Labour Agreements (ILA).
| Service | Current Fee | New Fee |
| Full Skills Assessment | $1,096 | $1,146 |
| Priority Processing | $825 | $863 |
| Points Test Advice (non-VETASSESS occupations) | $311 | $325 |
| Post-Vocational Education Work Visa (Subclass 485) | $416 | $436 |
| Review – Post-Vocational Education Work Visa | $265 | $277 |
| Reassessment – Post-Vocational Education Work Visa | $379 | $396 |
| Post-485 Assessment | $852 | $891 |
These fees are listed before Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).
VETASSESS Fees for Review, Reassessment and Appeal
The updated schedule also increases several fees associated with challenging or reassessing an assessment outcome.
Review of Assessment Outcome
For reviews submitted within the applicable 90-day timeframe, the new fees are:
| Review Type | Current Fee | New Fee |
| Qualification only | $340 | $356 |
| Employment only | $609 | $637 |
| Qualification and Employment | $913 | $955 |
The applicable review fee depends on the type of review and the outcome of the original assessment.
Reassessment
The reassessment fee, within the specified 12-month timeframe, will increase from: $745 → $779
Appeal
The appeal fee, within the specified 90-day timeframe, will increase from: $1,082 → $1,132
Renewal of Skills Assessment
The fee for renewing a skills assessment within the three-year timeframe will increase from: $473 → $495
What Is Happening to Subclass 485 Assessment Fees?
The updated VETASSESS fees 2026 schedule also includes assessments connected with the Post-Vocational Education Work Visa (Subclass 485).
From 9 September 2026:
- Post-Vocational Education Work Visa assessment: $436, up from $416
- Review of Post-Vocational Education Work Visa assessment: $277, up from $265
- Reassessment of Post-Vocational Education Work Visa assessment: $396, up from $379
The fee schedule also lists the Post-485 Assessment under the same occupation, which will increase from $852 to $891. Applicants should therefore check which assessment service applies to their circumstances before making a payment.
Are Skills Assessment Support Fees Increasing?
Interestingly, the updated VETASSESS fees 2026 schedule shows that several Skills Assessment Support (SAS) fees will remain unchanged.
The fees listed are:
- SAS Consultation Service for Migration Agents and Lawyers: $391
- SAS Consultation Service for Applicants: $282
- SAS Document Checking Service: $191
All three remain at their current prices. This is an important distinction because the overall update covers Skills Assessment Support services, but the published schedule does not increase these particular SAS charges.
Chinese Qualifications Verification Fees
Chinese Qualifications Verification (CQV) fees will also increase from 9 September 2026.
| CQV Service | Current Fee | New Fee |
| Degree Certificate | $148 | $155 |
| Certificate of Graduation | $148 | $155 |
| Academic Transcript or Exam Record | $182 | $190 |
Changes to Other Assessment and Administration Fees
The VETASSESS fees 2026 update extends beyond the main skills assessment. Some other revised charges include:
| Service | Current Fee | New Fee |
| PACFA Qualification Assessment against AQF | $285 | $298 |
| PACFA Assessment against AQF and Training Standards | $398 | $416 |
| PACFA Review against AQF | $255 | $267 |
| PACFA Review against AQF and Training Standards | $368 | $385 |
| Reopening of Closed Application | $171 | $179 |
| Reissue of Outcome Letter | $75 | $78 |
| AMI Credentials | $233 | $244 |
| AIHS Member | $275 | $288 |
| AIHS Non-Member | $323 | $338 |
Some services, including CHT assessment services and Qualification Comparison Service, remain at their existing fees according to the published schedule.
Does the VETASSESS Fee Increase Apply to Trade Occupations?
No. According to the VETASSESS fees 2026 update information, the increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.
This is an important distinction for applicants because VETASSESS handles different types of skills assessment processes, and the fee changes announced for professional occupations should not automatically be assumed to apply to trade occupation assessments.
Applicants should therefore confirm which assessment category applies to their occupation before relying on the new fee schedule.
How Much More Will Applicants Pay?
The increase varies depending on the service.
For the main Full Skills Assessment:
- Current: $1,096
- New: $1,146
- Increase: $50
For Priority Processing:
- Current: $825
- New: $863
- Increase: $38
For a review involving both qualification and employment:
- Current: $913
- New: $955
- Increase: $42
For an appeal:
- Current: $1,082
- New: $1,132
- Increase: $50
What Should Applicants Do Before 9 September 2026?
If you are planning a VETASSESS skills assessment, consider the following steps.
1. Identify the correct assessment pathway
First, determine whether you need a Full Skills Assessment, Post-485 Assessment, Points Test Advice or another VETASSESS service. The fee depends on the service you apply for.
2. Check your occupation
Confirm whether your occupation falls under the professional assessment category affected by the fee changes or whether it is a trade occupation.
3. Prepare your documents carefully
Before submitting an application, make sure your qualification and employment documents are complete and consistent. This is particularly important because submitting earlier only to avoid a higher fee should not come at the expense of application quality.
4. Consider the submission date
If your application is fully prepared, remember that applications received before 9 September 2026 are subject to the current fees, according to the update.
5. Budget for GST
The published VETASSESS fee schedule states that the listed fees do not include Australian GST. Applicants should therefore consider the applicable tax when calculating their total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About VETASSESS Fees 2026
When will the new VETASSESS fees start?
The new VETASSESS fees 2026 will apply from 9 September 2026.
How much is the new Full Skills Assessment fee?
The new Full Skills Assessment fee is $1,146, compared with the current fee of $1,096. The listed fee does not include Australian GST.
Will Priority Processing become more expensive?
Yes. Priority Processing will increase from $825 to $863 from 9 September 2026.
Will VETASSESS fees increase for trade occupations?
The announced increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.
What happens if I submit my application before 9 September 2026?
According to the provided update, applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates.
Are all VETASSESS services becoming more expensive?
No. Some services in the updated schedule remain at their current prices. For example, the listed Skills Assessment Support consultation and document checking fees remain unchanged.
Do VETASSESS fees include GST?
No. The published fee schedule states that the listed fees do not include Australian GST.
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.
Final Thoughts
The VETASSESS fee changes coming into effect on 9 September 2026 will increase the cost of several professional skills assessment and related services.
For applicants preparing an assessment, the most important points are:
- The new fees start on 9 September 2026.
- The Full Skills Assessment increases from $1,096 to $1,146.
- Priority Processing increases from $825 to $863.
- Several review, reassessment, appeal and renewal fees will also increase.
- The announced increase does not apply to trade occupation assessments.
- Fees listed by VETASSESS do not include Australian GST.
- Applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates.
Need help understanding your Australian skilled migration pathway? Speak with the eduaid team to review your options and understand the relevant assessment and visa requirements before proceeding.