Australia surprised aspiring students, who want to study in Australia by increasing its student visa prices. This immediate hike was completely unannounced and came into effect on 1st July 2026. There was not only an increase in the student visa prices but a new category of English learning courses was also introduced. Students willing to live in Australia also have to cough up an increase in price
The changes that came into effect on Wednesady, revised most visa applications by 25 per cent, with student visas (subclass 500) rising by $500 to $2500 and temporary graduate visas (subclass 485) jumping $1000 to $5750. Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the increase far outpaced inflation and risked making Australia less attractive to skilled workers and international students.
Changes in the Student visa prices
Higher education (subclass500): Increased to 2,500 AUD from 2000 AUD
ELICOS (English learning course): A new learning tier launched for English language courses ($2050 AUD)
Temporary graduate visa: Hike of $1000, rose to $5750 AUD (surged 25%)
In addition to this, the application fees is non refundable even if the visa is rejected. According to the official website of Australian Department of Home Affairs, “If there is a price increase between the date you lodge your application and the date we receive your application, you will need to pay the new application charge”. Prospective students from ASEAN countries will also pay the lower rate, while applicants from Pacific Island countries will continue to pay $745. This was done to support regional mobility. According to sources in the last 4 years the visa prices have increased upto 4 times.
ISRC of Australia
Weihong Liang, president of The International Students Representative Council of Australia (ISRC of Australia) said that although governments “have the right to change migration policy… fair policy implementation requires notice, transition arrangements, and respect for those who have already made decisions in good faith.”
“International students should not be expected to absorb abrupt policy costs without warning,” he added.
“Tonight, I am deeply disappointed for the thousands of students who will wake up tomorrow to find that their post-study pathway has become significantly more expensive overnight.”
Other major hikes
Australia drastically increased the application fee for all Partner visas, effective July 1, 2026. The Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) and onshore/offshore Partner visas surged by 25%, jumping from $9,365 to $11,710
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the increase far outpaced inflation and risked making Australia less attractive to skilled workers and international students.
