Published: July 1, 2026 | LearnerConnect | learnerconnect.ai
The Australia student visa fee 2026 is now AUD 2,500, the highest it has ever been. Effective July 1, 2026, every student applying for a Subclass 500 visa must pay this fee before the Department of Home Affairs assesses the application. For Indian families, that works out to approximately INR 1,65,000 just to lodge the form.
This is not a small adjustment. In fact, it is the third increase in three years, and it follows a pattern that has gone largely unnoticed until families start checking their cards and realise the number is not what they planned for.
This guide covers the full fee history, why the increase happened, who it affects right now, and the exact steps to take before you submit a Subclass 500 application in 2026.
What Is the Australia Student Visa Fee in 2026?
The Australia student visa fee for a Subclass 500 application lodged from July 1, 2026 onwards is AUD 2,500. This is the primary applicant charge. Additionally, applicants who include dependants in the same application pay an extra fee per person: AUD 2,500 for a partner and AUD 625 for each child under 18.
Importantly, the fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome. If the Department refuses the visa, you do not get the fee back.
Quick Reference
- Primary applicant (Subclass 500): AUD 2,500
- Partner/spouse included in application: AUD 2,500
- Each child under 18: AUD 625
- Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome
How Did the Australia Student Visa Fee Jump from AUD 710 to AUD 2,500?
The fee has increased three times in under two years. Specifically, here is the full progression:
| Period | Fee (AUD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Before July 2024 | AUD 710 | ~INR 47,000 |
| July 2024 | AUD 1,600 | ~INR 1,06,000 |
| July 2025 | AUD 2,000 | ~INR 1,33,000 |
| July 2026 (current) | AUD 2,500 | ~INR 1,65,000 |
As a result, the total increase since pre-2024 is +252%. A family that paid AUD 710 two years ago would pay AUD 2,500 today for the same application.
Was the 2026 Australia Student Visa Fee Increase Pre-Announced?
Yes. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the July 2026 increase in April 2025 as part of the federal budget, projecting it would raise AUD 760 million over four years through higher education visa charges.
Migration law firms and international education platforms in Australia covered the announcement. However, agents and consultants did not widely share this information with Indian families planning July 2026 intakes.
This gap between government announcement and family awareness is consistent with both previous increases. For instance, the government raised the fee in July 2024 with similarly low visibility for end applicants.
Who Is Affected by the July 2026 Australia Student Visa Fee Hike?
The fee increase affects anyone who lodges a new Subclass 500 application from July 1, 2026. This includes:
- Students applying for the July 2026 intake who have not yet lodged
- Students re-applying after a visa refusal or withdrawal
- Students changing institutions who need a new Subclass 500 application
- Families who included a partner or children in the application
In contrast, if you lodged your application and paid the fee before July 1, 2026, the increase does not affect you. Your fee locks in at the time of lodgement, not at the time of decision.
AUD 2,500 for Indian Students: What Families Are Actually Paying
At current exchange rates, AUD 2,500 works out to approximately INR 1,65,000. However, this is only the visa application charge. Beyond that, families must also account for:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which the government requires all student visa holders to hold
- Tuition fees for the first semester
- English proficiency test fees such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL
- Skills assessment or credential evaluation fees where applicable
Furthermore, for a family sending one student with a partner dependent, the combined visa application cost reaches AUD 5,000, approximately INR 3,30,000, all paid before the Department reviews a single document.
What to Do Before Submitting Your Australia Student Visa Application in 2026
If you plan to apply for the July 2026 intake and have not yet lodged, you need to act now. The steps below walk you through exactly what to check before you pay.
Check Your Lodgement Status and Budget First
First, confirm whether your application is already lodged. If you submitted it before July 1, AUD 2,000 applies. If not, AUD 2,500 is the current fee. After confirming this, update your budget immediately and inform the student, family, and any co-applicants of the revised figure.
Prepare Your Payment and Documents
Next, check your card limits. You pay the visa fee online through ImmiAccount as a single charge of AUD 2,500. Ensure your card can process this amount without a block or failure. Additionally, make sure all your documents are complete before you lodge. Since you cannot get the fee back from the moment of submission, a thorough and well-prepared application matters significantly. Finally, consider working with a registered migration agent or education consultant to reduce the risk of a refused application and a lost AUD 2,500.
Need help with your Australia student visa application? LearnerConnect helps Indian students navigate the application process, documentation, and timelines. Visit learnerconnect.ai for personalised guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Australia Student Visa Fee 2026
These questions reflect common search queries about the Australia student visa fee in 2026.
Is the Australia student visa fee refundable if the visa is refused?
No. Once you lodge the application, you cannot get the AUD 2,500 fee back. The government does not return it if the Department refuses, withdraws, or cancels the visa. Therefore, accurate documentation and confirmed eligibility before lodging are essential.
I already paid AUD 2,000. Does the July 2026 increase affect my application?
No. If you lodged your Subclass 500 application and paid the fee before July 1, 2026, the previous AUD 2,000 rate applies. Simply put, the new AUD 2,500 fee only applies to applications you lodge on or after July 1, 2026.
Will the Australia student visa fee increase again?
Based on the trend of the last three years, annual increases appear to be the direction of travel. Consequently, families planning 2027 intakes should budget conservatively and factor in a possible further rise. The government has not confirmed a 2027 rate at this stage.
What is the Subclass 500 student visa in Australia?
The Subclass 500 is Australia’s primary student visa for international students enrolled in registered courses at Australian institutions. It covers undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational, and school-level study. Moreover, a valid Subclass 500 lets you work part-time, up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, bring dependants, and is the main pathway for Indian students studying in Australia.
How much does it cost to study in Australia from India in 2026?
The Australia student visa fee 2026 is AUD 2,500, approximately INR 1,65,000. Beyond the visa fee, typical first-year costs include tuition ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 depending on the course and institution, OSHC health cover between AUD 588 and AUD 1,200 per year, accommodation between AUD 10,000 and AUD 20,000, and living expenses. In total, first-year costs for Indian students typically range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 75,000.
Sources
- Australian Government, Student Visa (Subclass 500): immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Study Australia, Student Visa Costs: studyaustralia.gov.au
- TERN Visa, Australia Visa Fee Increase Breakdown: ternvisa.com
- ICEF Monitor, Australia raises student visa fees: monitor.icef.com
