Australia Student Visa Fee Update: Subclass 500 Now Starts From AUD 2,500

Australia Student Visa Fee Update: Subclass 500 Now Starts From AUD 2,500

Indian students planning to study in Australia need to update their study-abroad budget following a significant increase in the Student visa (Subclass 500) application charge.

From 1 July 2026, the standard Australian Student visa application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500. The Australian Government's Study Australia website confirms that Student visa fees now start from AUD 2,500 per application, unless an exemption or concession applies.

For students preparing for the 2027 intake, this means visa costs should be calculated separately from university tuition fees, health insurance, living expenses and other study-abroad costs.

Australia Student Visa Fee From 1 July 2026

The major change is straightforward:

Previous Student visa application charge: AUD 2,000
New Student visa application charge: AUD 2,500
Effective date: 1 July 2026
Visa category: Student visa – Subclass 500

This represents an additional AUD 500 that most applicants now need to include in their Australia study budget.

The Department of Home Affairs currently lists the Subclass 500 Student visa cost as “From AUD 2,500”, while noting that concessions may apply in limited circumstances.

Does the AUD 2,500 Fee Apply to Indian Students?

For a standard Indian student applying for an Australian Subclass 500 Student visa, applicants should generally budget from AUD 2,500 for the visa application charge.

However, Australia has introduced lower visa-cost arrangements for certain eligible categories. The exact amount can depend on the applicant and visa circumstances, so students should check the official Visa Pricing Estimator immediately before submitting their application.

The key point for most Indian students is:

Do not prepare your 2027 Australia budget using the old AUD 2,000 Student visa fee.

AUD 2,500 Is Only the Visa Application Charge

One of the most important things students need to understand is that AUD 2,500 is not the total cost of studying in Australia.

It is only the starting visa application charge.

Students may also need to budget separately for:

• University or college tuition fees
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Living expenses
• Accommodation
• English-language testing
• Medical examinations, where required
• Travel and airfare
• Course deposits
• Additional costs for accompanying family members
• Payment surcharges where applicable
• Other documentation or application-related expenses

The Department of Home Affairs also states that a payment surcharge may apply when visa charges are paid using certain credit cards or PayPal.

Therefore, students should avoid assuming that paying the visa charge completes their financial preparation.

Financial Capacity Is Separate From the Visa Fee

The financial capacity requirement is separate from the AUD 2,500 visa application charge.

Study Australia currently states that international Student visa applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover relevant expenses such as travel, course fees and living costs, and its visa application guidance lists a financial-capacity figure of at least AUD 29,710.

Importantly, this amount should not automatically be treated as the student's expected real-world annual living budget.

Study Australia specifically warns that actual living expenses can vary depending on where a student lives and can be higher than the amount required for visa purposes.

Students should therefore calculate their finances based on their actual university, city, accommodation and lifestyle.

OSHC Is Also Separate

International students must generally have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for their stay in Australia.

OSHC is not included in the AUD 2,500 visa application charge.

Study Australia states that international students must have OSHC for the duration of their stay and that failure to provide the required evidence of insurance can affect the Student visa application.

This means your realistic Australia budget should look more like:

Tuition + Student visa fee + OSHC + living expenses + travel + other application costs

rather than considering the visa fee alone.

What Documents and Requirements Should Students Prepare?

The higher visa charge does not replace any of the existing Student visa requirements.

Australia's official student-visa application guidance outlines several important stages and requirements.

1. Letter of Offer

Students normally first receive a Letter of Offer from their Australian education provider after successfully applying for a course.

2. Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE

After accepting the offer and completing the required enrolment steps, the education provider issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

A CoE is generally required as part of the Student visa application.

3. English Language Evidence

Depending on the applicant and course, students may need to provide results from an accepted English-language test.

4. Genuine Student Requirement

Student visa applicants must address Australia's Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

The questions consider areas including:

• The applicant's current circumstances
• Why they selected Australia
• Why they selected the particular course
• How the course will benefit them
• Previous study history in Australia, if applicable
• Other relevant circumstances

5. Financial Capacity

Applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their studies and stay in Australia.

6. Overseas Student Health Cover

Appropriate OSHC must also be arranged for the required period.

7. Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must meet Australia's health and character requirements. Depending on individual circumstances, a medical examination or additional documentation may be requested.

8. Apply Through ImmiAccount

Student visa applications are submitted online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount system.

When Is the Visa Fee Determined?

This is particularly important for students applying around the time of a fee increase.

The Department of Home Affairs states that visa costs can change and that the amount payable depends on the charge applicable when the Department receives the application.

If the price changes before the application is received, the applicant may need to pay the new charge.

Students should therefore check the official fee immediately before making payment rather than relying on an old screenshot, social-media post or previous applicant's payment amount.

What Does This Mean for Students Planning Australia in 2027?

For Indian students targeting the February 2027, July 2027 or another 2027 intake, early financial planning is becoming increasingly important.

Before paying a university deposit, students should prepare an estimated budget covering:

University tuition
+ AUD 2,500 Student visa charge
+ OSHC
+ accommodation
+ living expenses
+ travel
+ medical or documentation costs where applicable

The biggest mistake would be planning an Australia application using outdated visa-fee figures.

Students should also keep extra funds available because visa costs and related government charges can change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Student visa fee in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the Student visa Subclass 500 application charge starts from AUD 2,500, subject to applicable concessions or exemptions.

What was the previous Australian Student visa fee?

Before the 1 July 2026 increase, the Student visa application charge was AUD 2,000.

Does AUD 2,500 include university tuition?

No. The Student visa application charge is separate from tuition fees charged by universities or other education providers.

Is OSHC included in the Student visa fee?

No. Overseas Student Health Cover must be arranged separately and is generally required for international students.

Do students with a spouse or children pay more?

Including family members can result in additional visa-related costs and also affects the overall financial planning required for the application. Applicants should use the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator for their exact circumstances.

Where can students apply for the Australian Student visa?

Applications are made online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount.

Final Takeaway

Australia remains one of the major destinations for international education, but students preparing for upcoming intakes need to budget carefully.

From 1 July 2026, the Subclass 500 Student visa application charge starts from AUD 2,500, up from AUD 2,000.

And remember:

AUD 2,500 is only the visa fee.

Tuition fees, OSHC, living costs, financial-capacity requirements, travel expenses and other application costs are separate.

For students planning to study in Australia in 2027, preparing a complete financial plan before accepting an offer or paying a university deposit can help prevent unexpected costs later in the process.

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Disclaimer: Visa fees and immigration requirements can change. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements and charges on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before lodging an application.