Australia Increases Student Visa Fees, Check Updated Fees And What It Means For Indian Students

Australia Student Visa Fees 2026: The Australian government has increased the visa fees for international students aiming to study in the country. Earlier, students were required to pay a sum of 2,000 Australian dollars (AUD), but now they will be required to pay 2,500 AUD, marking a 25 per cent hike for the student visa. The move, with effect from July 1, 2026, will impact several students including Indians planning to study in the country. A student visa in Australia allows individuals to stay up to 6 years in the country, work up to 48 hours a fortnight when the course of study or training is in session.

In 2024, the student visa (subclass 500) fees were more than doubled, from the earlier 710 to an increased 1,600 AUD. The fee was further increased to 2,000 AUD. 

What It Means For Indian Students

Indian students aiming to study in Australia will now be required to pay a sum of Rs.1,65, 141 as student visa under the revised guidelines, from the earlier required amount of Rs. 1,32, 112. This change adds on to the expenses incurred and financial risk faced by students due to application charges being non-refundable in case of non-acceptance of the visa. 

A lower visa fee is applicable for some students belonging to Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, eligible ASEAN citizens and applicants in the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and Non-Award sector. They are advised to check the likely cost via the visa cost estimator. 

Eligibility For Applying For Student Visa In Australia

• You must apply online in or outside Australia
• You must be enrolled in a course of study in Australia and should hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• You must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall in one of the exemption categories
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must prove you have a welfare arrangement. 

Recently, the Australian government had introduced new guidelines for the student visa, which mandated the need to show clear proof of financial stability, including the ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.