Australia's biggest visa fee rise in years
On 1 July 2026 the Department of Home Affairs put up most visa application charges by about 25 percent in one step. That is roughly eight times the usual yearly increase of around 3 percent. If you are applying for a student, graduate, or skilled visa, the new fees change how much you need to save, so here are the current numbers.
One thing worth knowing before you read on. The fee you pay is the one that applies on the day you lodge, not the day a decision is made. Anything lodged up to 30 June 2026 keeps the old fee. Anything lodged from 1 July 2026 pays the new one.
Student visa (Subclass 500) fee in 2026
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee went from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500 for most applicants. English language (ELICOS) and non-award courses have a separate fee of around AUD $2,050. The trend here has been steep. The fee was only AUD $650 before mid-2024, then $1,600, then $2,000 in July 2025.
Keep in mind the fee is not refunded if your visa is refused. That is the main reason it pays to get the application right the first time.
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) fee in 2026
The Subclass 485, which gives graduates post-study work rights, went up from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750. If you are finishing your course and planning your work rights, build this higher cost into your budget now rather than later.
Skilled and PR visa fees in 2026
Skilled and permanent residency visas had some of the biggest dollar rises. From 1 July 2026 the main applicant fee for the popular skilled visas sits at about AUD $6,140, up from AUD $4,910.
| Visa | Previous fee | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Student (Subclass 500) | AUD $2,000 | AUD $2,500 |
| Temporary Graduate (485) | AUD $4,600 | AUD $5,750 |
| Skilled Independent (189) | AUD $4,910 | about AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | AUD $4,910 | about AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | AUD $4,910 | about AUD $6,140 |
Family members added to a skilled application are charged too. It is about AUD $3,070 each for anyone aged 18 and over, and about AUD $1,540 for a child under 18. Treat these as a guide and confirm the exact figure for your visa and family on the day you lodge.
What the changes mean for you
- Save more, and start earlier. A family on a skilled visa now faces several thousand dollars more in government charges alone.
- Lodge a complete, accurate application. When the fee is this high and non-refundable, a refusal is an expensive setback.
- Timing counts. Lodging before a fee change, even by a day, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Australian student visa fee in 2026?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee is AUD $2,500 for most applicants from 1 July 2026, and around AUD $2,050 for ELICOS and non-award courses.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
No. Visa application charges are not refunded even if your visa is refused or you withdraw. That is why careful preparation is worth it.
Which fee applies if I lodge after a fee change?
The fee in force on the day you lodge is the one you pay. Lodging before an increase locks in the lower fee, even if the decision comes later.
Plan your application
With fees at record highs there is little room for mistakes. At Suvaansh Educational Services in Adelaide, our registered migration agents help you lodge a complete, accurate application the first time so that money is not wasted. Book a free consultation to plan your student or skilled visa around the current fees. You can also read our breakdown of the cost to study in Australia in 2026.