The student visa cost for Australia is AUD $2,500 for most applicants from 1 July 2026, up from $2,000. This is the government application charge for the Student visa (subclass 500). Yes, the Australian student visa cost has doubled and then some: it was $710 until 30 June 2024, then rose to $1,600, then $2,000, and is now $2,500. That is more than three times the old fee.
The visa fee is only one part of your budget. You also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of funds, and possibly English test, health check and biometrics costs. This guide explains each cost in simple terms, based on Department of Home Affairs and Study Australia information.
In This Guide
- 1. Student Visa Cost for Australia at a Glance
- 2. Australian Student Visa Cost Doubled: Fee History
- 3. Why Did the Student Visa Fee Increase?
- 4. Who Pays Less, and Who Pays More?
- 5. Other Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
- 6. Student Visa Budget Checklist
- 7. How to Pay the Student Visa Fee
- 8. Is the Student Visa Fee Refundable?
- 9. Common Student Visa Cost Mistakes
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. When Should You Get Professional Help?
- 12. Conclusion
1. Student Visa Cost for Australia at a Glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Student visa (subclass 500) application charge, most applicants | From AUD $2,500 (from 1 July 2026) |
| Previous fee (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) | AUD $2,000 |
| Additional applicants (partner or children) | Separate charges apply. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator. |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Varies by provider, cover type and course length |
| English test, health check, biometrics | Varies by provider and country |
The fee is paid to Home Affairs when you lodge your application. The amount that applies is generally the one in force on the day you lodge. Fees are reviewed regularly and have risen several times in recent years, so confirm the amount on the day you apply.
2. Australian Student Visa Cost Doubled: Fee History
The fee did not just double once. It has risen three times in three years.
| Effective date | Student visa fee (primary applicant) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Until 30 June 2024 | $710 | – |
| From 1 July 2024 | $1,600 | More than doubled (+125%) |
| From 1 July 2025 | $2,000 | +25% |
| From 1 July 2026 | $2,500 | +25% |
In short, the fee more than doubled in July 2024 and has kept climbing. The current $2,500 is about 3.5 times the $710 fee that applied before July 2024. The increase is not backdated. It applies to applications lodged from 1 July 2026.
If you see a website quoting $1,600, $2,000 or even $715 as the current fee, it is out of date.
3. Why Did the Student Visa Fee Increase?
Government announcements have linked the increases to managing migration and student numbers. Reports on the 2026 change say it is connected to the 2026-27 Budget measures, alongside normal annual indexation. The 2024 rise was a policy decision, not a routine indexation change.
The main point for applicants is simple: fees have risen every year recently, so budget for the amount in force when you lodge, not the amount in an older guide.
4. Who Pays Less, and Who Pays More?
Standard applicants
Most primary applicants pay from $2,500.
Lower charges for some study types
Reports on the 1 July 2026 changes show a lower charge of $2,050 for English-language (ELICOS) and non-award study, and for some citizens of certain regions. Home Affairs says fees are “from” $2,500, so use the official Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm the exact amount for your course and nationality.
Exemptions
Study Australia notes that some applicants are exempt from the fee. If you think you may qualify, check the Home Affairs Student visa page.
Partners and children
If you bring family members, each additional applicant pays a separate visa charge. The amount depends on age and circumstances. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator for your exact total.
5. Other Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
The $2,500 fee is not the full price of studying in Australia. Plan for these costs too:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You generally need OSHC for the length of your visa. The price depends on the provider, the cover type and how long you will study.
- Proof of funds. Home Affairs requires evidence that you can pay for your study and living costs. At the last review, the living-cost figure for a single student was AUD $29,710 per year. Check the official page for the current amount and the extra amounts for family members.
- Tuition and the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Your education provider sets the tuition and any deposit needed to get your CoE.
- English language test. If you need one, the test fee is paid to the test provider.
- Health examinations and biometrics. These may be required, depending on your country and course.
- Police certificates, translations and passport photos. These depend on your documents.
- Travel and settling in. Flights, bond and first-month living costs are separate.
- Professional fees. If you use a registered migration agent, their fees are separate from the government fee.
6. Student Visa Budget Checklist
Use this checklist to plan your upfront costs:
| Cost | Paid to | When |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application charge | Home Affairs | When you lodge |
| OSHC | Approved health cover provider | Before or at lodgement |
| Tuition deposit for the CoE | Your education provider | Before you can lodge |
| English test | Test provider | Before you lodge, if required |
| Health check and biometrics | Approved provider | When requested or required |
| Proof of funds | Your own bank or sponsor | Shown in your application |
Ask each provider for a written quote. Do not rely on fixed prices quoted on random websites.
7. How to Pay the Student Visa Fee
You pay the visa application charge when you lodge your application online through ImmiAccount. The charge is due in full at lodgement. Home Affairs says a payment surcharge may apply depending on how you pay, so check the payment screen before you confirm.
8. Is the Student Visa Fee Refundable?
Visa application charges are generally not refunded if your application is refused, and they are not refunded if you change your mind. Refunds are limited to specific situations. Check the current Home Affairs rules before you pay. Because the fee is high, check that your course, funds and documents are ready before you lodge.
9. Common Student Visa Cost Mistakes
- Using an old fee. Many guides still show $1,600 or $2,000. Confirm the amount on the day you lodge.
- Forgetting OSHC. It is a separate cost paid to a health cover provider, not to Home Affairs.
- Lodging without enough evidence. A refusal usually means you lose the application charge.
- Assuming family is free. Partners and children pay their own visa charges and add to your funds requirement.
- Mixing up the course type. The lower charge may apply only to certain course types or applicants. Check before you pay.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the student visa cost for Australia in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the student visa application charge is from AUD $2,500 for most applicants. It was $2,000 from 1 July 2025.
Has the Australian student visa cost doubled?
Yes, and more. It rose from $710 to $1,600 on 1 July 2024, which is more than double. It then rose to $2,000 in 2025 and $2,500 in 2026, so it is now about 3.5 times the old fee.
When did the student visa fee increase to $2,500?
On 1 July 2026. It applies to applications lodged from that date.
Is the student visa fee different for some students?
Some applicants may pay a different amount, such as those exempt from the fee or those studying certain course types. Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to check your exact charge.
Do family members pay extra?
Yes. Each additional applicant pays a separate visa charge, and you must show more funds for dependants.
What other costs come with the student visa?
OSHC, proof of funds, tuition and CoE deposits, English tests, health checks, biometrics and document costs.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa?
At the last review, the living-cost figure for a single student was AUD $29,710 per year, plus tuition and travel. Check the official Home Affairs page for the current amount.
Is OSHC included in the visa fee?
No. OSHC is paid separately to an approved health cover provider.
Is the student visa fee refundable if I am refused?
Generally no. Visa application charges are not usually refunded after a refusal. Check the current refund rules on the Home Affairs website.
How do I pay the student visa fee?
Online through ImmiAccount when you lodge. A payment surcharge may apply.
Which fee applies if I lodge close to 1 July?
The fee in force when Home Affairs receives your application generally applies. Check the payment screen before you confirm.
Can a migration agent help with my student visa application?
Yes. A registered migration agent can check your course, funds and documents before you pay the fee. Agent fees are separate from the government charge.
11. When Should You Get Professional Help?
Many students apply on their own. Consider advice if:
- you have had a visa refused or cancelled before
- you are unsure how much funds to show or how to show them
- you are applying with a partner or children
- you are changing courses or education providers
- you want to plan a pathway from study to work or permanent residency
- you do not understand which fee applies to you
With the fee now at $2,500, a mistake is expensive. A registered migration agent can review your situation and documents before you lodge. Asia Pacific Group’s MARA-registered team can explain your visa cost and options in plain English. Explore our student visa services or speak with a migration agent Australia professional. We cannot promise a visa outcome, but we can help you prepare properly.
12. Conclusion
The student visa cost for Australia is AUD $2,500 for most applicants from 1 July 2026. The Australian student visa cost has doubled and more since 2024: it went from $710 to $1,600, then $2,000, then $2,500. Other costs include OSHC, proof of funds, tuition deposits, tests and documents, so plan your full budget, not just the visa fee.
Fees change often, and some applicants pay a different amount. Always confirm the current figure on the official Home Affairs website or Visa Pricing Estimator on the day you lodge.
If you are unsure about the cost or your eligibility, speak with a registered migration agent Australia before you pay. Asia Pacific Group can review your plan and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Australian visa requirements, conditions, fees and government policies can change. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before making a visa application or travel decision. For advice about your individual circumstances, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
