Australian Student Visa Fees for Indian Students (2026): Complete Cost Guide
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Student visa (subclass 500) application charge is AUD 2,500 (approx. ₹1,67,500) for the main applicant, up from AUD 2,000. Concession applicants studying ELICOS or non-award courses pay AUD 2,050. This is the government fee only — it does not include OSHC, tuition deposits, biometrics, or agent charges.
If you're an Indian student planning to study in Australia, the visa application charge is only one line item in a much bigger budget — but it's the one that keeps changing every year. The Department of Home Affairs has raised the subclass 500 fee three times since 2024, and Indian applicants make up one of the largest groups affected by each hike.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fee Breakdown 2026
Here is the current Visa Application Charge (VAC) structure, effective from 1 July 2026:
| Applicant Category | Fee in AUD | Approx. in INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant (standard course) | AUD 2,500 | ₹1,67,500 |
| ELICOS / non-award course applicant | AUD 2,050 | ₹1,37,350 |
| Additional applicant (partner/spouse, 18 years+) | AUD 1,530 | ₹1,02,510 |
| Additional applicant (child, under 18) | AUD 500 | ₹33,500 |
| Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (if applicable onshore) | AUD 700 | ₹46,900 |
*INR figures are approximate, based on current exchange rates, and will fluctuate. Always confirm the exact charge on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Planning to study in Australia with your spouse or children included in the same application? Each additional family member adds their own charge on top of the base fee above, so build this into your total budget from day one.
What the Visa Fee Does — and Doesn't — Cover
The Visa Application Charge is paid to the Department of Home Affairs through ImmiAccount at the time you lodge your application. It is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. It does not include:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — compulsory health insurance for the length of your stay
- Biometrics collection fee at your local VFS Global or visa application centre
- English test fees (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Health examination and panel physician charges
- Tuition deposit paid to your institution for your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- Migration agent or consultancy service fees, if you choose to use one
Australia Student Visa Fee Hike Timeline (2024–2026)
The subclass 500 fee has risen sharply over three consecutive years, and understanding this pattern helps explain why early budgeting matters:
| Effective Date | Fee (Main Applicant) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 July 2024 | AUD 710 | — |
| 1 July 2024 | AUD 1,600 | +125% |
| 1 July 2025 | AUD 2,000 | +25% |
| 1 July 2026 | AUD 2,500 | +25% |
Financial Requirement: The Bigger Number You Actually Need
Beyond the visa fee itself, the Department of Home Affairs requires proof that you can financially support yourself. As of 2026, you must show access to at least AUD 29,710 per year (approx. ₹19,90,570) for living costs, in addition to:
- 12 months of tuition fees for your course
- Return airfare to and from Australia
- School costs for any dependent children accompanying you
Expert Tip — Suman Prem, MARA Agent: "Most refusals we see aren't about the visa fee at all — they're about a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement or financial evidence that doesn't line up with the applicant's actual profile. Since the fee is non-refundable, a rejected application means paying the full AUD 2,500 again on your next attempt. It's far cheaper to get your documentation right the first time than to reapply."
How to Reduce Your Total Visa Cost
- Apply once, apply correctly. Since the fee is non-refundable, a single well-prepared application is always cheaper than two rushed ones.
- Check if you qualify for the ELICOS/non-award concession if you're enrolling in an English course before your main degree.
- Lodge before your intake's fee changes where possible — charges are locked in at your lodgement date, not your offer date.
- Compare OSHC providers rather than accepting the first one your institution suggests; premiums can vary significantly for the same coverage period.
- Plan your subclass 485 visa costs early if you intend to stay on and work after graduation — this fee has also risen sharply, to AUD 5,750.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay Your Student Visa Fee
- Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your Australian institution
- Create or log in to your ImmiAccount
- Complete your subclass 500 application form and attach required documents
- Pay the Visa Application Charge online by debit/credit card at the time of lodgement
- Retain your payment receipt and application reference number for tracking
Looking Beyond the Student Visa
Many Indian students studying in Australia eventually explore long-term options after graduation. If that's part of your plan, it's worth reviewing the PR requirements for Indians and the broader Australia PR visa Consultant pathways early, so your course and occupation choice align with your long-term goals rather than just your immediate study plans. Speaking with experienced Australia immigration consultants before you enrol can save you both money and time later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australian student visa fee for Indian students in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the subclass 500 student visa application fee is AUD 2,500 (approx. ₹1,67,500) for the main applicant, unless you qualify for a concession.
Has the Australia student visa fee increased in 2026?
Yes. The fee rose from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on 1 July 2026 — the third increase since July 2024, when it stood at AUD 710.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The Visa Application Charge is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application, which is why accurate documentation before lodgement matters.
Do I need to pay extra if I include my spouse or children in my application?
Yes. Each additional applicant aged 18 or over pays AUD 1,530, and each additional applicant under 18 pays AUD 500, on top of the main applicant's fee.
Is there a lower visa fee for English language courses?
Yes. Applicants enrolling in an ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students) or a non-award course pay a concessional fee of AUD 2,050 instead of AUD 2,500.
What is the financial requirement besides the visa fee itself?
You must show evidence of access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus 12 months of tuition fees, return airfare, and school costs for any dependants.
How much does the subclass 485 post-study visa cost after graduation?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application fee is AUD 5,750 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, with additional charges for partners and children.
Can I get any exemption or concession on the visa fee?
Concessions currently apply to ELICOS/non-award course applicants and to Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders, who are not subject to the standard fee uplift. Exemptions in specific circumstances (such as education provider closures) may also apply — check your eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
What is the Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC)?
STAC is an additional AUD 700 charge that can apply if you are applying for a further student visa from within Australia after already holding two or more student visas.
How can a MARA-registered agent help reduce visa costs or rejection risk?
A MARA-registered agent reviews your GTE statement, financial evidence, and course choice against current Department of Home Affairs requirements before lodgement, reducing the risk of a refusal that would require paying the non-refundable fee a second time.
Get Your Free Australia Student Visa Cost & Eligibility Assessment
Speak with our MARA-registered team before you lodge your application.
This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Fee figures are based on the Department of Home Affairs schedule effective 1 July 2026 and are subject to change; always verify current charges via the official Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging your application. Migration advice referenced in this article is provided under the guidance of Suman Prem, a MARA-registered migration agent (MARN 2418548). GIEC Global is not liable for decisions made solely on the basis of this content.
