Australia just made studying Down Under a costlier dream, one fee hike at a time.
If you are eyeing 2027 intakes, the Australian student visa now costs AUD 2,500, a jump from the earlier AUD 1,600. That is a steep rise, and Indian students planning to apply must budget accordingly.
This blog breaks down the new fee structure, the reasons behind it, and everything you need for a smooth Australian student visa application in 2027.
We will also cover Australia study visa requirements, the application process, total costs, and the mistakes that get applications rejected. Some undergraduate applicants coming through the SAT route also ask us about these updated charges, so we have kept this guide simple for every profile.
The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) fee is AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant, effective from 1 July 2026 and carried into 2027 applications. Every applicant applying for study in Australia after this date must pay this revised amount, unless specifically exempt.
This fee applies to first-time applicants, students switching courses, and those reapplying onshore. Dependants travelling with the applicant pay separately, and card payments attract an additional surcharge.
Visa charges change periodically, so always verify the latest number on the Department of Home Affairs' official visa pricing estimator before you pay.
The headline AUD 2,500 figure is just the base charge. Additional applicants, card payments, and course type all affect your final bill for visa information for Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs raised the Australian student visa fee from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,500 effective 1 July 2026. That is a 56% jump within a year, following an earlier rise from AUD 710 in 2023.
Australia has been tightening its international education framework since 2023. The government has cited migration management, quality control of institutions, and cost recovery as reasons for these repeated hikes.
Who is affected? Every new applicant, including those reapplying from within Australia. Students who lodged applications before the fee change continue to pay the older rate, but any fresh 2027 application must budget for AUD 2,500.
The Australian student visa, officially known as Subclass 500, lets international students study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia.
You need this visa if you plan to enroll in a course longer than three months and study onshore. Here is what defines eligibility:
The visa is granted for the duration of your course, up to a maximum of five years. It also permits multiple entries, so you can travel in and out of Australia while your course is active.
Key conditions include maintaining OSHC coverage, complying with the Genuine Student criterion, and adhering to the permitted 48-hour fortnightly work limit during study sessions.
Meeting the Australia study visa requirements thoroughly is what separates a smooth approval from a frustrating refusal. Here is what the Department checks.
The Genuine Student requirement replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant test in March 2024. It asks applicants to explain their circumstances, course choice, and post-study intentions in detail.
Weak or vague GS statements are one of the most common reasons for refusals today, so treat this section seriously.
Applying for an Australian student visa is a linear process, but each step needs precision. Miss a document, and processing gets delayed.
Once submitted, you can track your application status directly through ImmiAccount. Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents to avoid delays.
Planning to study in Australia? Your budget needs to account for far more than just tuition. Here is a realistic breakdown.
These figures vary by city, course, and institution. Sydney and Melbourne generally cost more than regional Australian cities, so factor in location when budgeting.
Timing your application right can save you months of stress. Here is a realistic roadmap for 2027 intakes.
Do not wait until the last quarter. Applicants who apply for their Australian student visa early tend to get more processing buffer and fewer last-minute panics.
Even strong candidates get rejected due to avoidable errors. Watch out for these.
A single missing document can push your Australian student visa decision back by weeks. Double-check everything before you submit.
Getting your Australian student visa approved is a milestone, not the finish line. You must now follow specific conditions throughout your stay.
Masters by Research and Doctoral students face no work-hour cap once their course begins. Always check your specific conditions through the VEVO system.
Fee hikes and shifting rules can feel overwhelming when you are juggling applications, tests, and finances. That is exactly where we step in.
At WIKATI Education, we have guided over 15,000 students through their study abroad journeys across the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France. Our counsellors track every Australian student visa update in real time, so our students never file outdated paperwork.
Our vision is simple: to make studying abroad simplified, transparent, and stress-free. With British Council and PIER certified counsellors, a 98.6% visa success rate, and partnerships with 1,600+ universities, we handle everything from your CoE to your Genuine Student statement.
Need help budgeting for the new AUD 2,500 fee, or an education loan of up to ₹85 lakhs with no collateral? We manage the paperwork so you can focus on preparing for Australia.
The Australian student visa fee hike to AUD 2,500 changes the math for every 2027 applicant, but it does not change your chances of getting in.
With the right documents, a strong Genuine Student statement, and early planning, you can still make Australia your reality. Budget carefully, apply on time, and verify fees through the official pricing estimator before you pay.
Ready to plan your Australian student visa? Talk to WIKATI Education today and simplify your path to Australia.
The Australian student visa fee is AUD 2,500 for the primary applicant, effective from 1 July 2026. Additional applicants and card payments incur extra charges, so verify current rates online.
You need a valid CoE, a Genuine Student statement, financial proof, English test scores, OSHC, and clearance of health and character checks. Missing any document can delay your decision.
Create an ImmiAccount, gather documents, submit your application, pay the fee, complete biometrics or health checks if required, then wait for the Department's decision.
You need your passport, CoE, Genuine Student statement, financial evidence, English proficiency scores, OSHC policy, and medical or police clearance certificates, where applicable.
Beyond tuition, budget is around AUD 29,710 annually for living costs, plus OSHC, travel, and the AUD 2,500 visa fee. Costs vary by city and course.
Yes, Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, except for research or doctoral students.
The Department of Home Affairs raised fees to manage migration volumes and recover administrative costs, following a similar hike from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 earlier.
No, the Australian student visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This makes accurate documentation essential before you submit your application.
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