The Australian Government has increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000, making Australia one of the more expensive destinations for student visa applications. The revised fee is effective from July 1, 2026 and applies to new international student visa applications, including those from India. (Source: The Indian Express)

Alongside the fee revision, the government has announced a significant relief for students enrolled in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). Eligible students who complete an approved English language programme and subsequently enrol in a higher education course within Australia will not be required to pay a second Student Visa application fee, reducing the financial burden for students using the English-language pathway.

The exemption is expected to benefit international students who first undertake English language training before beginning undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Australian universities. Previously, many students transitioning between programmes were required to submit a fresh visa application and pay an additional visa fee.

Despite the increase in visa charges, Australia continues to remain a preferred destination for Indian students due to its globally ranked universities, strong research ecosystem, multicultural environment, and post-study work opportunities. However, prospective applicants should now account for the higher visa cost while planning their overall education budget.

Students are advised to verify the latest immigration policies, visa requirements, and eligibility conditions through official Australian Government sources before submitting their applications.

What This Means for Indian Students

• The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee has increased to AUD 2,000.
• Students planning to study in Australia should revise their overall study-abroad budget accordingly.
• Eligible ELICOS students transitioning to degree programmes will benefit from the waiver of a second visa application fee.
• Students should confirm whether they qualify for the exemption before applying.

Key Highlights

• Australia has increased the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000.
• The revised fee came into effect on July 1, 2026.
• Eligible ELICOS students progressing to higher education will be exempt from paying a second visa application fee.
• The initiative aims to support students following English-language pathway programmes.
• Indian students are advised to plan their finances and review the latest visa guidelines before applying.