Student Visa Cost Australia — 2026 Visa Application Charges
The Australian Government increased the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant, effective 1 July 2026. The new charges apply to all applications lodged on or after that date. Applications lodged before 1 July 2026 follow the previous fee schedule.
Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicants retain access to concessional VACs and are not subject to the standard increase. ELICOS and Non-Award sector applicants also attract a separate concessional rate of AUD 2,050. The Government has confirmed that future annual increases will be CPI-linked only.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) — Visa Application Charge (VAC):
| Main applicant (standard) | $2,500 |
| Main applicant (ELICOS / Non-Award sector) | $2,050 (each) |
| Main applicant (Pacific Islands / Timor-Leste concession) | ~$745 |
| Additional applicant — 18 or over | $2,500 |
| Additional applicant — Under 18 | $625 |
Subsequent Entrant (Subclass 500) – Visa Application Charge (VAC):
| Main applicant | ⚠️ verify |
| Additional applicant — 18 or over | ⚠️ verify |
| Additional applicant — Under 18 | ⚠️ verify |
Student Guardian (Subclass 590) – Visa Application Charge (VAC):
| Main applicant | $2,000 |
| Additional applicant — 18 or over | N/A |
| Additional applicant — Under 18 | N/A |
Visa application charges are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. The charges above apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Confirm your exact fee before lodging using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator at homeaffairs.gov.au — last verified July 2026.
Our Professional Service Fees
Our professional fees depend on your specific circumstances, course and visa type. As a guide:
| Students Visa (Subclass 500) | Contact us for a personalised quote |
| Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) | Contact us for a personalised quote |
All fees are confirmed in a written engagement letter before you proceed — no surprises. Contact us to discuss your situation and get a personalised quote.
What Else to Budget for Beyond the Visa Application Charge
The VAC is just one part of the total cost of studying in Australia. Before you apply, budget for:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — mandatory for the full duration of your visa; cost varies by provider and length of cover
- Financial capacity evidence — you must show access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus tuition fees and return airfare. See the full breakdown on the student visa (subclass 500) page
- Health examinations — may be required depending on your country of passport; ordered through DHA’s panel physicians
- Police clearance certificates — required for character assessment; timing and source country depend on your immigration history
- English language test fees — IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or CAE; fees vary by provider and location
- NAATI-certified translations — required for all non-English documents submitted with your application
- Temporary Graduate 485 visa — if PR is your goal, budget for the 485 visa fee of AUD 5,750 (from 1 July 2026) after graduation
