Key Highlight:
- The fee for a student visa (subclass 500) was earlier AUD 2,000, which has been changed to AUD 2,500 on July 1, 2026. And of all the study destinations in the world, Australia comes on top in the list of highest Visa fees.
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) went from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750. This year it changed twice. The last time it was in March 2026.
- The maximum eligible age for most Temporary Graduate Visa applicants is now 35 years, reduced from the previous limit of 50 years. Certain applicants, including eligible PhD graduates and Hong Kong/BNO passport holders, may still apply up to age 50.
- If you are there with a temporary graduate, visitor, or maritime crew visa, you are not eligible for a student visa while being within the country anymore.
- Indian students are Australia’s largest international cohort and face the steepest cumulative costs across the study-to-work pipeline.
As per the new changes in migration, Australia has changed its student visa (subclass 500) fee from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on 1st July 2026. Due to these changes, for student visas, Australia is the most expensive country in the world. For those applying for ELICOS or non-award courses, Australia has a slight advantage.
Post-study visas have now become expensive. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) charge has now escalated from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750. Rules have also become more rigid. As per the guidelines since 2024, people over the age of 35 years old cannot apply. However, PhD graduates, master’s graduates, and Hong Kong/BNO citizens can still have the age limit until 50 years old.
Along with these, those who already have a temporary graduate, visitor, or maritime crew visa are not eligible to apply for a visa while they are still in Australia. To apply, they have to leave the country first.
Australia has the highest number of student visas compared to any other major English-speaking country. And because of this, as per the report provided by some small vocational and language schools, enrollments have declined up to 50%.
According to the CAPA President Jesse Gardner-Russell, a graduate visa hike is a “fee in the exit door, not on the front door.” By this, he meant it penalizes those who are already almost on the verge of getting out of the system and not those who are entering it.