From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has introduced new Student visa (subclass 500) application fees. If you're planning to study in Australia, it's important to understand these changes before lodging your visa application.
If you’re planning to study in Australia, it’s important to understand the new Student Visa application fees before you lodge your application.
The Student Visa application fee now depends on the type of course you choose:
- VET (Vocational Education and Training) and Higher Education: $2,500
- ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students): $2,050
If you’re an eligible citizen of a Pacific Island country, Timor-Leste, or an ASEAN country, you may be eligible for a reduced Student Visa application fee of $745.
Understanding these new fees can help you budget for your studies and avoid any surprises during your Student Visa Australia application process.
VET (Vocational Education and Training) and Higher Education
$2,500
/main applicant
$1,530
/adult dependent
$500
/child dependent
ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)
$2,050
/main applicant
$1,255
/adult dependent
$410
/child dependent
Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizen
$745
/main applicant
$555
/adult dependent
$185
/child dependent
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao Peoples Dem Republic
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
How We Help with Your Student Visa
- Course enrolment guidance
- Genuine Student (GS) support
- Student visa application assistance
FAQs Student Visa Costs
What is the application fee for a Student Visa?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee is set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and depends on the type of course you intend to study and your nationality. The standard application fee is AUD $2,500. Students applying to study an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) course pay a reduced application fee of AUD $2,050. Eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN passport holders may qualify for a further reduced application fee of AUD $745. Additional charges apply for family members included in the visa application.
Do I need to pay extra if I have dependants?
Yes, additional fees apply if you include a partner or child in your Student Visa (Subclass 500) application. For most applicants, the current government visa application charge is AUD $1,530 for each additional applicant aged 18 years or over, and AUD $500 for each dependent child under 18 years of age.
If the primary applicant is applying for an ELICOS course, or is an eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste or ASEAN passport holder, reduced dependent visa application charges apply. You will also need to update your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to a couple or family policy, which will increase your overall application costs. As visa fees vary depending on your circumstances, we recommend checking the latest government charges before lodging your application.
Are there costs for biometrics?
Some applicants must provide biometrics, which may involve an additional fee at the visa application centre.
Do I need to pay for a health examination?
Only applicants asked by the Department to complete health checks will need to undergo a medical examination, which may involve extra costs depending on the clinic and required tests.
Is there an English test fee?
If you need an English test (such as IELTS or PTE), the test providers charge their own fees, which must be paid directly to them.
Are there extra costs after the visa is granted?
You may need to budget for tuition payments per term, living expenses and other study-related expenses.
Do visa fees ever change?
Yes. Visa fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and may be adjusted at any time. It’s important to check the most up-to-date information before applying. Check with Study Gurus which fees are applying to you.
