Study in Australia · Subclass 500
Student Visa Australia Cost 2026
Short answer: the Subclass 500 visa application charge is A$2,500 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 (up from A$2,000), with further charges for a partner and each child; on top of that budget the financial-capacity evidence (living costs A$29,710 a year at last review, plus tuition and travel), Overseas Student Health Cover for the whole stay, and any English test. This page itemises every cost line by line so nothing is a surprise at lodgement.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed August 2026
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - Visa fee — from 1 Jul 2026
- $2,500
- Concessional fee — from 1 Jul 2026
- $745–$2,050
- Living cost req. (at last review)
- $29,710 / year
- OSHC (single)
- $500–$700 / year
- First-year total (VET example)
- ~$45,810
Visa application charge
The Department of Home Affairs charges a non-refundable visa application fee paid at the time of lodgement through ImmiAccount.
| Applicant | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $2,500 |
| Partner / additional applicant (18 or over) | $2,500 |
| Dependent child (under 18) | $625 |
The standard charge rose to A$2,500 on 1 July 2026 (up from $2,000, which itself replaced $1,600 in 2024) — the new fee applies to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Concessions apply to some applicants: $2,050 for ELICOS (standalone English) students and ASEAN nationals studying under eligible arrangements, and $745 for Pacific-region and Timor-Leste applicants. Whether a concession applies depends on your course and nationality — confirm your category before you budget.
Source: Department of Home Affairs. Fees are indexed and adjusted (typically 1 July). Verify the current rate for your situation at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
Biometric collection fee
Some nationalities are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the visa application. The biometric collection fee was AUD $45 at last review — verify the current amount. Not all applicants are required to provide biometrics — check the Department's guidance for your nationality.
Health examination
All student visa applicants must undergo a health examination by a panel physician approved by the Department. The cost varies by country and provider but is typically AUD $300–$500. This is paid directly to the panel physician, not to the Department.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is mandatory for all Subclass 500 visa holders. It must cover the full duration of your visa. You must arrange OSHC through an approved provider before your visa can be granted.
| Cover type | Approximate annual cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Single | $500–$700 |
| Couple | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Family | $1,800–$2,500 |
Approved providers include Medibank, Bupa, Allianz, NIB, and others. Prices vary — compare before purchasing.
Tuition fees
Tuition varies enormously depending on the institution and course. Indicative annual ranges:
| Course type | Annual tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| VET / TAFE certificate or diploma | $6,000–$22,000 |
| Undergraduate degree (university) | $20,000–$45,000 |
| Postgraduate degree (university) | $22,000–$50,000 |
| English language course (ELICOS) | $300–$500 per week |
Tuition is paid directly to the education provider, not to the Department of Home Affairs.
Living cost requirement
The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence that you can support yourself financially in Australia. The current minimum living cost requirement is:
- Student: AUD $29,710 per year
- Partner/spouse: AUD $10,394 per year (additional)
- Child: AUD $4,449 per year (additional per child)
These figures are indexed and may change. The Department accepts bank statements, government-sponsored student evidence, loan documents, or scholarship evidence. Funds must generally be genuinely available — the Department can verify the source.
Total cost estimate — first year
A rough first-year budget for a single student studying a VET diploma:
| Cost | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa application | $2,500 |
| Health examination | $400 |
| OSHC (1 year) | $600 |
| Tuition (VET diploma) | $12,000 |
| Living costs (12 months) | $29,710 |
| Return airfare (estimated) | $1,500 |
| Approximate total | ~$45,810 |
This is an estimate only. Actual costs depend on the course, institution, location, lifestyle, and whether you have dependants. University degrees will be significantly higher.
The Genuine Student requirement
Since 2024, the Department assesses whether applicants are genuine students (replacing the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant test). This is not a cost, but it directly affects whether your application will be approved. Your personal statement must explain why you chose this course, this institution, and Australia — and how it fits your career plans. A poorly prepared statement is one of the most common reasons student visa applications are refused.
For more on the 407 training pathway as an alternative to study, see our 407 Training Visa guide. Not sure which course is right for your goal? Try our free Study Pathway Tool to match course categories to your English level, budget, and migration goal. Worried about the Genuine Student test? Read our 2026 GS guide and self-assessment.
Work rights on a student visa
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work rights and hour limits are subject to change — confirm the current conditions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
After you finish: the 485 visa
Most international students' real migration plan starts after graduation, on the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa — the window to work in Australia and build a pathway to PR. The 485 was tightened in 2024–26 (age now 35, English now IELTS 6.5, and the fee roughly doubled), so it's worth understanding before you enrol, not after. See the 485 guide and free assessment →
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Book Consultation →The application charge is the part you can look up
What decides most student visa applications is not the charge — it is the money you have to evidence: first-year living costs, tuition and travel, and a genuine, traceable source for all of it. Tell us your course, where you are applying from and who is coming with you, and a registered migration agent will come back to you with what you would need to evidence and the proof it takes. Free, no obligation.
This page contains general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Fees and requirements are subject to change. Verify all figures with the Department of Home Affairs before making financial commitments. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under section 43 of the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Questions we get asked first
How much does an Australian student visa cost in 2026?
The base Department of Home Affairs application charge for a Subclass 500 Student Visa is AUD $2,500 for the main applicant, effective for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 (up from $2,000, and $1,600 before that). Concessional charges of $2,050 (ELICOS and eligible ASEAN students) and $745 (Pacific-region and Timor-Leste applicants) apply to some categories. On top of the charge, budget for OSHC, biometrics, health checks and the genuine student evidence. Total first-year costs typically range from $25,000 to $55,000 including tuition.
Do I need to show proof of funds for a student visa?
Yes. You must demonstrate access to funds covering 12 months of tuition, 12 months of living costs (published rate AUD $29,710/year at last review — verify the current figure), return airfare, and school costs for any dependants. The Department accepts bank statements, loans, scholarships, or government funding as evidence.
What is OSHC and how much does it cost?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory health insurance for student visa holders. Costs range from AUD $500 to $700 per year for a single person, depending on the provider. OSHC must cover the entire duration of your visa.
Is the student visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Can I pay the student visa fee in instalments?
No. The visa application charge must be paid in full at the time of lodgement. It is paid online through ImmiAccount.
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