Australia Student Visa Fee Hike 2026: The Real Cost of Going from Student Visa to PR

Reviewed by Suman Prem, Registered Migration Agent (MARA, MARN 2418548) · Updated October 2026

The biggest Australia student visa news of 2026 is simple: almost every visa on the road from study to permanent residency now costs more. On 1 July 2026, the Australia student visa fee rose from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500. The 485 graduate visa went from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750, after already doubling in March. The 189 and 190 PR visas went from AUD 4,910 to about AUD 6,140.

For a single Indian student, the government visa charges alone for student visa → 485 → PR now add up to about AUD 14,390. In February 2026 the same three visas cost AUD 9,210. That is a jump of more than 55% in one year, before tuition, health cover, tests or skills assessments.

This guide breaks down every fee, the bank balance you must show, the new rules for international students in Australia in 2026, and practical ways to plan your budget from India.

Australia Student Visa News 2026: What Changed on 1 July?

Australia updates most visa application charges every 1 July. The July 2026 round was unusually large. Most common visas rose by about 25%, and the student, graduate and skilled PR visas were all included.

For Indian students this matters because the study-to-PR journey usually uses three visas in a row:

1. A Student visa (subclass 500) to study.
2. A Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to work after graduating.
3. A permanent visa such as the 189, 190, 491 (provisional, leading to 191) or employer-sponsored 186.

Each of these became more expensive in 2026. The 485 rose twice in the same year: first on 1 March 2026 and again on 1 July 2026.

Old vs new visa fees at a glance

The table below compares the main applicant charges before and after the 2026 increases. All amounts are in Australian dollars and are base application charges for the primary applicant.

The pre-March 485 figure comes from the 4,600 March charge being a 100% increase. Always confirm the current figure on the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator before you lodge.

Australia Student Visa Fees 2026: Full Breakdown for Indian Students

The headline Australia student visa price is AUD 2,500, but that only covers the main applicant in most courses. Here is how the 2026 Australia student visa fees work in practice.

Main applicant charges

• Higher education, VET and postgraduate research: AUD 2,500.
• ELICOS (English courses) and non-award courses: AUD 2,050.

Charges for family members

• Partner or other family member aged 18+: AUD 1,530.
• Child under 18: AUD 500.

The AUD 700 subsequent application charge

Some applicants lodging a further temporary visa from inside Australia may also pay a subsequent temporary application charge of AUD 700. Whether it applies depends on your current visa, so check this before you plan a change of visa onshore.

On top of these, budget for medical examinations, police certificates and biometrics where required. These vary by panel clinic and state in India, so ask your clinic for the current fee.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for Australia Student Visa in 2026?

This is the question we hear most from Indian families. Under the current student visa Australia requirements, you must show you can pay for your course, living costs and travel.

The current living cost figure is AUD 29,710 for 12 months for the main student. This has applied since 10 May 2024 and is still the figure in use in 2026.

Funds you must show

• Living costs: AUD 29,710 for the student.
• Partner: add AUD 10,394.
• Each child: add AUD 4,449, plus AUD 13,502 per year in school costs for school-age children.
• First-year tuition: as shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), minus any amount already paid.
• Travel: enough for your flights to Australia.

Worked example

Say a single student from Pune has a Master's offer with first-year tuition of AUD 42,000 and has paid a deposit of AUD 10,000. The student would need to show roughly AUD 29,710 + AUD 32,000 + travel. That is more than AUD 61,700 in genuine, accessible funds.

You can use savings, an education loan, or a parent's or spouse's annual income where it meets the official threshold. Funds must be genuinely available to you. Large deposits made just before applying often trigger extra questions.

The Real Cost of Going from Australia Student Visa to PR in 2026

Visa charges are only one part of the cost. Below is a realistic 2026 budget for a single Indian student doing a two-year Master's, then a 485, then a state-nominated 190 PR. Tuition and living costs are not included, as they vary widely by city and university.

OSHC estimate uses published single-cover prices of about AUD 674 – 719 per year (May 2026). Skills assessment fees vary by assessing body and usually change each 1 July. Medicals, police checks and any 485 health cover are extra.

What if you bring a partner?

A partner adds AUD 1,530 on the student visa, AUD 2,875 on the 485 and AUD 3,070 on the PR visa. That is another AUD 7,475 in visa charges alone, plus couple health cover, which costs far more than single cover.

The cost of a wrong turn

The most expensive mistake is a refused or wasted visa. With a 485 now costing AUD 5,750, lodging in the wrong stream or missing a deadline can cost more than a full year of health cover and a skills assessment combined.

485 Visa Australia 2026: Fees, Age Limit and Rules

The 485 visa in Australia is now the single most expensive visa a student pays for before PR. It went from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026, and to AUD 5,750 on 1 July 2026.

Key 485 rules in 2026

• Age limit: 35 years or under for most applicants.
• English: IELTS 6.5 overall (or an equivalent score in an approved test).
• Timing: apply within six months of completing your course.
• Family: AUD 2,875 per adult and AUD 1,450 per child.
• No onshore switch back: since 1 July 2024 (historical change), 485 holders cannot apply for a student visa from inside Australia.

Read our detailed guide to the 485 visa in Australia for the streams and stay periods.

New Rules for International Students in Australia 2026

Fees are not the only change. Here is the wider Australia student visa news Indian families should know about.

National Planning Level stays at 295,000

In July 2026, the government confirmed the 2027 National Planning Level at 295,000 new international student commencements, the same as 2026. The government says this is not a hard cap. No active provider will get a lower allocation in 2027 than in 2026.

Processing priority linked to your university

Student visa applications are processed as high priority until your chosen provider reaches 80% of its allocation. After that point, applications for that provider are still accepted but processed more slowly. Applying early in the intake cycle can help.

Genuine Student requirement

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the old GTE test. Case officers look at your study history, course choice, ties to India, finances and future plans. A course that clearly builds on your past study or work is easier to justify.

Tougher PR selection ahead

Australia is redesigning its PR points test for the first time since 2012, with more weight expected on younger, better-qualified applicants. Graduates should plan English scores and skills assessments early. Our guide to Australia PR requirements explains the current rules.

Australia Student Visa Processing Time in 2026

Based on Department of Home Affairs data published in early 2026, these were typical processing times:

• Higher education student visa: 21 days (75% of cases) and 42 days (90% of cases).
• VET student visa: 32 days and 68 days.
• 485 Post-Study Work stream: 25 days and 50 days.
• 190 Skilled Nominated: 7 months and 12 months.

Times change every month. Your Australia student visa processing time also depends on your provider's allocation, how complete your file is, and how quickly you answer any requests for information.

Student Visa Australia Requirements Checklist for 2026

Before you pay the Australia student visa fee, make sure you have each of these ready:

1. A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered provider.
2. An approved English test score that meets your course and visa needs.
3. Proof of funds for tuition, AUD 29,710 living costs and travel.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover for your full visa period.
5. A clear Genuine Student statement linking your course to your goals.
6. Health checks and character documents, where requested.
7. Passport valid well beyond your intended stay.

If you are still choosing a course, see our study in Australia guide for universities, intakes and course options.

Is Australia Still Worth It? Pros and Cons for Indian Students in 2026

Higher fees do not change the core value of an Australian degree, but they do raise the stakes. Here is a balanced view.

Reasons it is still worth it

• Strong graduate salaries in fields such as healthcare, engineering, teaching and IT.
• Post-study work rights through the 485 visa.
• Clear PR pathways, with 189 and 190 places increased in the 2026-27 Migration Program.
• Part-time work rights while studying, within the current visa conditions.

Reasons to plan carefully

• Visa charges from student to PR have jumped by more than 55% in a year.
• Regional PR places were cut sharply in 2026-27.
• PR selection is likely to get tougher with the points test redesign.
• Living costs in Sydney and Melbourne remain high.

Smart Ways to Manage Australia Student Visa Price and PR Costs

You cannot avoid government fees, but you can avoid paying them twice. These tips come from what we see work for our students.

• Choose a course linked to a listed occupation. This protects your 485 and PR plans and reduces wasted spending.
• Aim high on English the first time. A Superior score can add 20 PR points and save repeat test fees.
• Get your 485 timing right. Missing the six-month window or the age cap wastes AUD 5,750.
• Start the skills assessment early. Use the right body, such as ACS for IT or VETASSESS for general professions.
• Check your points before paying for PR. Use our Australia PR points calculator before lodging an EOI.
• Think about state nomination. Compare the 190 visa with the 189 visa, as your odds may be better with a state.

Common Mistakes That Increase Your Australia Student Visa Costs

Weak Genuine Student statements

A copied or vague statement is a common reason for refusal. A refusal means a lost AUD 2,500 fee and a harder second application.

Showing borrowed or unexplained funds

Money parked in an account for a few days is easy for case officers to spot. Show a clear source and history for your funds.

Lodging the 485 in the wrong stream

Each stream has different qualification and skills assessment rules. A wrong choice can cost you the full AUD 5,750.

Waiting too long to plan PR

Many students start thinking about PR only after the 485 is granted. By then, age, English and work experience gaps are harder to fix.

How GIEC Global Student Visa Consultants Help You Plan

If you are searching for "student visa consultants near me" in India, look for a team that plans past the first visa. A good study visa consultant should map your full study-to-PR path, not just your admission.

At GIEC Global, our education counsellors and MARA-registered migration agents work together to:

• Shortlist courses that fit both your career and Australia's skilled occupation lists.
• Prepare a strong Genuine Student statement and financial file.
• Plan your 485 timing and skills assessment in advance.
• Build a realistic PR strategy, from points to state nomination.

Learn more about our overseas education consultants and our Australia PR visa consultants.

Conclusion: Plan Your Australia Student Visa Journey With 2026 Costs in Mind

The 2026 Australia student visa news is not that the door has closed. It is that every step now costs more. A single student will pay about AUD 14,390 in visa charges alone from student visa to PR, compared with AUD 9,210 in early 2026.

The students who manage this best plan the whole journey from day one. They pick the right course, show clean funds, time the 485 well and prepare early for PR. A clear plan turns a bigger bill into a manageable investment.

Want an honest, personalised budget for your Australia student visa and PR plan? Speak with GIEC Global today.

Australia Student Visa 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australia student visa fee in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the Australia student visa fee for the main applicant is AUD 2,500 for higher education, VET and postgraduate research courses. ELICOS and non-award courses cost AUD 2,050. A partner or adult family member adds AUD 1,530 and each child under 18 adds AUD 500. Before 1 July 2026 the main fee was AUD 2,000.

Why did Australian visa fees increase in 2026?

Australia updates most visa application charges every 1 July. In the July 2026 round, many common visas rose by about 25%, including student, graduate, skilled and partner visas. The 485 graduate visa also had a separate increase on 1 March 2026, when its fee doubled to AUD 4,600, before rising again to AUD 5,750 in July.

What is the latest Australia student visa news for Indian students?

The key 2026 updates are the 25% fee rise on 1 July, the 485 visa fee reaching AUD 5,750, and the 2027 National Planning Level staying at 295,000 new students. Applications are processed as high priority until a provider reaches 80% of its allocation, so Indian students should apply early in each intake.

How much bank balance is required for Australia student visa?

You must show AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus your first-year tuition fees and travel costs. Add AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 for each child, plus AUD 13,502 per year in school costs for school-age children. Funds must be genuine and clearly available to you.

What is the 485 visa fee in Australia now?

From 1 July 2026, the 485 visa fee is AUD 5,750 for the main applicant. Adult family members pay AUD 2,875 and children under 18 pay AUD 1,450. The fee was AUD 2,300 before 1 March 2026 and AUD 4,600 between March and June 2026, so it has risen sharply within one year.

What is the total cost from student visa to PR in Australia?

For a single applicant using a student visa, then a 485, then a 190 PR visa, government visa charges total about AUD 14,390 in 2026. Adding health cover and a skills assessment takes it to roughly AUD 16,100 to 17,300, before English tests, medicals, tuition and living costs. A partner adds about AUD 7,475 in visa charges.

What is the Australia PR visa fee in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the Skilled Independent 189 visa costs AUD 6,135 for the main applicant. The 190, 491 and 186 visas cost AUD 6,140. Each adult family member adds AUD 3,070 and each child adds AUD 1,535. Before July 2026, these PR visas cost AUD 4,910 for the main applicant.

What is the Australia student visa processing time in 2026?

Based on early 2026 data, higher education student visas were decided in 21 days for 75% of cases and 42 days for 90% of cases. VET visas took longer, at 32 and 68 days. Processing also depends on your provider's allocation and how complete your application is, so apply well before your course starts.

What are the student visa Australia requirements in 2026?

You need a Confirmation of Enrolment, an approved English test score, proof of funds, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a Genuine Student statement. You must also meet health and character requirements. Each document must be consistent, because case officers compare your study history, finances and future plans closely.

What is the Genuine Student requirement?

The Genuine Student requirement replaced the older GTE test. It checks whether you truly intend to study in Australia. Case officers look at your past study, work, course choice, finances and plans after graduation. A course that logically builds on your background and career goals makes your application stronger and more believable.

Is there a cap on international students in Australia in 2026?

Australia uses a National Planning Level rather than a fixed cap. It is 295,000 new international student commencements for 2026 and stays at 295,000 for 2027. Students can still apply after a provider's allocation is reached, but processing for that provider becomes slower after it reaches 80% of its allocation.

What is the age limit for the 485 visa?

For most applicants, you must be 35 or under when you apply for the 485 visa. Some exceptions exist for certain research graduates. If you plan a Master's degree in your early thirties, check your expected age at graduation before you enrol, because missing the cap means losing this work pathway.

How much does OSHC cost in 2026?

Published May 2026 prices for single Overseas Student Health Cover range from about AUD 674 to AUD 719 per year with the approved providers. Couple cover costs much more, at about AUD 5,025 to AUD 6,705 per year. You must hold OSHC for your whole student visa period, so include it in your budget.

Can I apply for a student visa again while on a 485?

No, not from inside Australia. Since 1 July 2024, Temporary Graduate visa holders cannot apply for a student visa while onshore. If you want to study again after your 485, you would generally need to apply from outside Australia. Plan your study and work sequence before you lodge your 485.

Does the AUD 2,500 fee include family members?

No. The AUD 2,500 Australia student visa price covers only the main applicant in most courses. A partner or other adult adds AUD 1,530 and each child under 18 adds AUD 500. Families should also budget for higher living-cost evidence, school fees and couple or family health cover.

How much does a skills assessment cost for Australia PR?

It depends on your occupation. As per data checked in August 2026, ACS charges about AUD 1,498, VETASSESS about AUD 1,206 onshore, Engineers Australia AUD 346.50 for an Australian engineering degree, ANMAC AUD 595 and TRA AUD 795. Fees usually change each 1 July, so confirm with the assessing body.

Is studying in Australia still worth it after the fee hike?

For many Indian students, yes. Australia offers strong graduate salaries, post-study work rights and clear PR pathways. However, higher fees make planning more important. Choose a course linked to a skilled occupation, prepare your funds properly, and map your 485 and PR steps early to avoid paying any visa twice.

Where can I check official Australia visa information?

The Department of Home Affairs website is the official source for visa information Australia publishes, including fees, requirements and processing times. Its visa pricing estimator shows the current charge for your exact situation. Check it before you lodge, because fees and rules can change during the year.

How can study visa consultants help reduce my costs?

Experienced study visa consultants help you avoid refusals, choose the right course, prepare genuine financial evidence and time your 485 correctly. Each avoided mistake saves thousands of dollars in repeat fees. Choose consultants who also have MARA-registered agents, so your study and PR plans fit together from the start.

How can GIEC Global help with my Australia student visa?

GIEC Global helps Indian students choose the right course and university, prepare the Genuine Student statement and financial file, lodge the student visa, and plan the 485 and PR stages. Our MARA-registered agents review every PR plan. Book a free consultation to get a personalised 2026 cost and visa roadmap.