Australia Raises Student Visa Fee to AUD 2,000; Here's How It Impacts Indian Students

Students planning to pursue higher education in Australia will now have to pay a higher visa application fee. The Australian Government has increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, with the revised charges taking effect from July 1, 2026. The move is expected to increase the upfront cost of studying in Australia for international applicants, including thousands of Indian students.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to enroll in full-time courses at Australian universities, colleges, vocational institutions, and eligible education providers. While the visa application process and eligibility criteria remain unchanged, applicants will now need to account for the higher government fee while planning their study abroad budget.

The revised fee is part of Australia's broader efforts to strengthen its international education framework and manage the growing number of student visa applications. Despite the increase, Australia continues to remain one of the preferred destinations for Indian students due to its globally recognized universities, post-study work opportunities, and strong employment prospects.

ELICOS Students Receive Fee Exemption

Alongside the revised visa charges, the Australian Government has announced an important relief for students enrolled in ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Eligible applicants who complete an English language course and later apply for a higher education programme within Australia may receive an exemption from paying a second Student Visa application fee, reducing the financial burden for students following this pathway.

What This Means for Indian Students

Indian students planning to study in Australia should factor the revised visa fee into their overall education budget, along with tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation, travel, and living expenses. Those considering English language pathway programmes should also check whether they qualify for the newly introduced visa fee exemption before submitting their applications.

Students are advised to begin the admission and visa process early, maintain complete documentation, and verify the latest visa guidelines through official Australian immigration channels before applying.

Key Highlights

• Australia has increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee to AUD 2,000.
• The revised fee came into effect from July 1, 2026.
• The change applies to new international student visa applicants, including Indian students.
• Eligible ELICOS students transitioning to higher education may be exempt from paying a second student visa application fee.
• Students should review their overall study abroad budget before applying.