Student Visa Costs
Applying for a Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500) involves several important costs that should be planned in advance. These may include the visa application fee, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), tuition fees, medical examinations, English tests such as IELTS or PTE, and other third-party expenses like biometrics or document translations.
As part of the student visa financial requirements, applicants must also show they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Australia. Understanding the full student visa costs in Australia will help you prepare your budget, avoid delays, and ensure a smoother application process.
Fees That You Will Need to Pay
DHA Student Visa Application Fee
$2,500 / $2,050/ $745
Vocational & Higher Education / ELICOS/ Pacific Islands passport holders & ASEAN citizens
Overseas Student Visa Health Insurance
$600 - $9,000
per year depending upon whether you are insured alone or with family members --Calculate your Overseas Student Health Insurance
Tuition Deposit
$1,500 - $3,000
for Vocational and ELICOS courses, six months in advance for Higher Education courses
Fees That You May Need to Pay
Subsequent Entrant Fee
$710
If you previously applied for a visa onshore and apply onshore again, this fee may apply.
Student Visa Medical Examination
$350 - $450
Only applicants requested by the Department need to undertake this exam
Biometrics
$50 - $150
Offshore applicants in certain countries must provide biometrics. The Department will notify you to attend an approved collection centre.
English Test
$475
You may need to show English proficiency (e.g. IELTS or PTE). If requirements aren’t met, an English course can be completed before the main program.
Book your IELTS testIncluding Family Members
$1,255 / $410
for Spouse / for each Child Dependent
How We Help with Your Student Visa
- Course enrolment guidance
- Genuine Student (GS) support
- Student visa application assistance
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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.
