PR & Visa Pathways
Australian Student Visa Fees in 2026: Full Breakdown & How to Save
The 500 visa fee is now $2,000. Here's every fee you'll actually pay to lodge a student or graduate visa in 2026, when to lodge to save, and the refund rules if you get refused.
Published 2026-06-20 · 8 min read
The base student visa fee tripled in two years — from $650 in June 2024 to $2,000 from July 1, 2026. But the visa charge itself is only about 40% of what you'll actually spend to be visa-ready.
The 2026 fee schedule at a glance
| Visa | Primary applicant | Secondary (spouse) | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 (Student) — from July 1, 2026 | $2,000 | $1,470 | $360 |
| 500 subsequent entrant | $2,000 | $1,470 | $360 |
| 485 (Graduate) — from July 1, 2026 | $2,395 | $1,200 | $600 |
| 189 (Skilled Independent) | $4,765 | $2,385 | $1,190 |
| 190 (State Nominated) | $4,765 | $2,385 | $1,190 |
| 491 (Regional Skilled) | $4,765 | $2,385 | $1,190 |
Real-world total cost to lodge a 500 visa in July 2026
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Visa charge (primary) | $2,000 |
| OSHC (12 months, single) | $720–$805 |
| Health check (BUPA panel) | $360–$450 |
| Biometrics (if required) | $50–$75 |
| Police clearance (per country) | $20–$150 |
| English test (PTE/IELTS) | $395–$430 |
| Agent / lawyer (optional) | $0–$3,500 |
| Realistic total, DIY | $3,500–$4,500 |
| Realistic total, agent-assisted | $5,500–$8,000 |
When to lodge to save
- Before July 1, 2026 — pay the $1,600 old fee if you can.
- Between July 1 and September 30 — most state nomination programs re-open with fresh allocations.
- Never on the last day of a visa — leave 4–6 weeks buffer. Bridging visas are automatic but complicate work rights.
Refund rules — do you get money back if refused?
No. The visa application charge is non-refundable regardless of the decision. The only exception is a technical error on Home Affairs' side (extremely rare) or if you withdraw before a case officer is assigned (partial refund only).
This is why the Genuine Student (GS) test matters so much — a refusal now costs $2,000 in fees plus a 3-month reflection period before you can re-lodge, plus potential visa cancellation offshore.
Fee-waiver situations
Fees can be waived in a small number of scenarios:
- Formal government scholarships (Australia Awards, DFAT, Endeavour) — the sponsoring body pays.
- Diplomatic passport holders.
- Certain New Zealand citizens' family members.
These require specific documentation lodged with the application — the standard ImmiAccount form flags eligibility automatically.
The trend line
| Year (July 1) | 500 visa primary fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $650 |
| 2024 | $1,600 |
| 2025 | $1,600 |
| 2026 | $2,000 |
Home Affairs indexes fees to CPI, but the last three years have all included above-CPI adjustments as part of the Migration Strategy revenue plan. Budgeting for another 5–8% increase in July 2027 is prudent.
For the full context on July 1, 2026 changes across all rules, see our July 1, 2026 master guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Australian student visa fee in 2026?
The primary applicant fee for a subclass 500 student visa is $2,000 from July 1, 2026, up from $1,600. Secondary applicants pay approximately $1,470 (partner) and $360 (each child).
Is the visa application fee refundable if my student visa is refused?
No — visa application charges are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The only exception is a technical error on Home Affairs' side, which is extremely rare. Withdrawing before a case officer is assigned may attract a partial refund.
How much does it really cost to lodge a student visa end-to-end?
The realistic DIY total is $3,500–$4,500 including visa charge, 12 months of OSHC, health checks, biometrics, police clearances and an English test. Agent-assisted applications typically total $5,500–$8,000 depending on the agent's fee.