Australian Student Visa Fees 2026: New Costs and Available Concessions
Australia's standard Student visa application charge increased from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500 on 1 July 2026. This is the visa application charge, not the total cost of studying or moving to Australia.
Some applicants qualify for concessions. Your final amount can also depend on the people included, application location and visa history. This guide helps you separate the government charge from the other expenses in your study budget.
What Changed in July 2026?
The standard charge rose by AUD $500, a 25 per cent increase. Use the current Home Affairs pricing information when you are ready to lodge, rather than a saved quote or an older article. All figures here are in Australian dollars.
Who May Qualify for a Concession?
The Government identifies eligible primary applicants holding ASEAN passports, specified Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passports, and applicants for independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses. Concession arrangements retain lower charges with annual CPI adjustments; they do not automatically make the application free.
The ASEAN countries listed in the July announcement are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Check eligibility against the current rules rather than relying on residence in one of these countries.
For English study packaged with another qualification, do not assume the independent ELICOS concession applies. Confirm how your application and principal course are categorised before payment.
Why the Total May Differ From the Headline Fee
- Eligible additional applicants can attract separate charges.
- A subsequent temporary application charge may apply based on individual visa history and location.
- Payment arrangements may involve a surcharge.
- A concession or nil charge depends on meeting the applicable criteria.
Under the October family rules, first check whether dependants can legally be included. A fee estimate does not establish eligibility to include a partner or child.
Other Expenses to Budget For
Keep separate lines for tuition deposits, Overseas Student Health Cover, English testing, required health examinations, police certificates, translations and professional assistance. Obtain current quotes where these services are needed.
Financial capacity evidence is a separate issue from paying the application charge. A receipt does not show that you have enough funds for your course and living costs. Review the student visa document requirements for preparation.
Build a Clear Budget Before Lodging
- Check your eligibility and required application location.
- Identify the exact course sector and any concession basis.
- Use the official pricing information for the correct applicant details.
- Record government charges separately from provider and service fees.
- Ask providers for written deposit, cancellation and refund terms.
- Recheck the amount immediately before submission.
Will the Visa Fee Be Refunded if I Am Refused?
Home Affairs does not usually refund the visa application charge if an application is refused or withdrawn. Limited refund circumstances are governed by the Department's rules. Avoid budgeting on the assumption that an unsuccessful application will be refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Australian Student visa cost in 2026?
The standard Student visa application charge increased to AUD $2,500 on 1 July 2026. Eligible concessions and additional charges can change the final amount, so check current Home Affairs pricing before applying.
Does the Student visa fee include tuition and health insurance?
No. The government visa application charge is separate from tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover. Budget for these costs separately, along with any required testing, examinations or document preparation.
How do I check the visa fee that applies to me?
Use the current Home Affairs visa pricing information and Visa Pricing Estimator. Enter the details relevant to your application, including the visa subclass, application location and eligible applicants, and check whether a concession applies before paying.
What other costs should I include in my study budget?
Allow for tuition deposits, health insurance, travel and living costs. Depending on your requirements, you may also need English testing, health examinations, police certificates, translations or professional assistance. Obtain current quotes for the services you need.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Australian Student visa fees helps you plan a more realistic study budget. The standard application charge is only one part of the overall cost, and eligible concessions or additional charges may affect your final payment. Check current official pricing using your passport, course and application details before lodging. Keep tuition, insurance, testing, health examinations and professional assistance separate in your budget, and obtain written quotes where appropriate. Also confirm application eligibility before making financial commitments, particularly if you plan to apply from within Australia. Contact Uniway Australia to discuss your study plans and preparation needs, so you can approach the application with clearer expectations and an organised budget.
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