Australia increased the primary Student visa application charge from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on July 1, 2026. The revised fee applies to most new Subclass 500 Student visa applications, including applications submitted by Indian students.
The visa application charge is generally paid when the online application is lodged. However, students should remember that the AUD 2,500 visa fee represents only one part of the overall cost of studying in Australia.
The primary Student visa application charge increased by AUD 500 from July 1, 2026.
| Student Visa Fee Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Previous primary Student visa charge | AUD 2,000 |
| Student visa charge from July 1, 2026 | AUD 2,500 |
| Total increase | AUD 500 |
The updated fee applies to most international students submitting a new Subclass 500 visa application.
Some applicants from specified ASEAN and Pacific countries, as well as certain students applying for independent ELICOS or Non-Award courses, may be eligible for different or concessional visa-charge arrangements.
Indian passport holders are generally not included in the nationality-based concession groups mentioned in the relevant guidance.
However, visa fees and individual circumstances can vary, so applicants should always confirm the final amount displayed in their ImmiAccount before making payment.
Indian students should not treat the AUD 2,500 application charge as the complete immigration or pre-departure cost.
A realistic Australia study budget may include several additional expenses.
Students may need to budget for:
Other costs may include:
Students should also prepare for:
Applicants may also need to demonstrate sufficient funds to meet the financial-capacity requirements of the Student visa.
Visa fees, tuition and many other expenses are charged in Australian dollars.
For Indian students paying in rupees, changes in the AUD-INR exchange rate can increase the final amount required.
Maintaining a reasonable financial buffer can therefore help students manage unexpected currency movements and additional pre-departure costs.
Paying the application fee alone does not make an applicant eligible for an Australian Student visa.
Applicants generally need to satisfy several important requirements.
Before submitting a Student visa application, students generally need to enrol in an eligible course with an Australian education provider and receive a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
The CoE confirms that the student has been accepted into a registered course.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances and chosen programme, evidence of English-language proficiency may be required.
Accepted evidence can depend on the visa requirements and institution.
Applicants may need to provide information and supporting documents demonstrating that studying is the genuine primary purpose of their stay in Australia.
Students should clearly explain factors such as:
Applicants may also need to show that they have sufficient funds to cover relevant expenses such as:
Financial documents should be genuine, consistent and clearly linked to the applicant or financial sponsor.
Depending on individual circumstances, students may also be asked to complete health examinations or provide character-related information.
International students generally need to maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period.
Students should ensure that their policy meets the applicable Student visa requirements.
A strong Student visa application should present a clear and consistent picture of the applicant's academic background, funding and future plans.
Documents should support information relating to:
Contradictory information between documents can make an application more difficult to assess.
Applicants should therefore carefully check every document before submission.
Paying the AUD 2,500 application charge does not guarantee that the Student visa will be granted.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application against the applicable visa requirements.
Students should also understand that visa application charges may be difficult or impossible to recover in some circumstances after an application has been processed, refused or withdrawn.
The Australian Student visa allows many international students to undertake limited employment while studying.
Current Study Australia guidance states that most Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
A fortnight usually refers to a period of 14 days.
Students should always check the exact work conditions attached to their individual visa.
Unlimited working hours may generally be permitted during officially scheduled course breaks, subject to the conditions attached to the student's visa.
Students should verify their visa conditions before increasing their working hours.
Permission to work does not remove the student's academic responsibilities.
International students are generally expected to:
Students should treat part-time work as supplementary income rather than relying on employment to finance their entire education.
The increase in the Australian Student visa fee makes careful financial planning even more important.
Before accepting an offer, prepare a detailed budget covering:
This provides a more realistic picture of the total investment required.
Applicants should use the official Document Checklist Tool provided for Australian visa applications to understand which documents may be required for their circumstances.
Requirements can vary depending on factors such as nationality, education provider and course.
Students should avoid submitting an incomplete application simply to lodge early.
Ideally, applicants should have their:
ready before submitting the application.
Student visa processing times can vary depending on application volumes, individual circumstances and the completeness of the application.
Students should therefore apply sufficiently early for their intended university intake.
However, applicants should avoid booking non-refundable flights or travel arrangements before the visa is granted.
The revised primary Student visa application charge of AUD 2,500 took effect on July 1, 2026.
The primary application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, representing an increase of AUD 500.
No. The Student visa application charge is separate from university tuition fees.
No. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a separate expense and generally needs to be arranged for the required period.
For most new Subclass 500 applications, Indian students are subject to the standard primary application charge. Applicants should confirm the exact amount displayed in ImmiAccount before payment.
Most Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, subject to the conditions attached to their individual visa.
Students may generally work unlimited hours during officially scheduled course breaks, depending on their visa conditions.
No. Paying the application charge only allows the visa application to be processed. Approval depends on whether the applicant satisfies all applicable Student visa requirements.
Study Australia – Student Visa Application Charge Increase:
https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/Agent-Hub/agent-news-index/student-visa-application-charge-increase