Australia Increases Student Visa Fee for International Students by 25%

From 1 July 2025, the cost of applying for a student visa to study in Australia is going up. The Australian government has increased the student visa application fee by 25%, raising the price from AUD $1,600 to AUD $2,000 for international students applying under the Subclass 500 visa.

This change affects international students who want to study at an Australian university, college, or education provider. The student visa fee increase is smaller than the previous jump in 2024, when fees rose sharply from AUD $710 to AUD $1,600 — a 125% hike at the time.

What Is Subclass 500 Visa?
The Subclass 500 student visa allows overseas students to live and study in Australia for up to five years, depending on the length of their course. You must be enrolled in an Australian education program and have received a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before applying.

You can apply to study:

• Higher education (bachelor, master, etc.)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
• Primary and secondary school
• School exchange programs
• Pathway courses
• Non-award courses (like exchange programs)
• Postgraduate research

Courses funded by the Australian Government (DFAT or Defence)

What Are the New Visa Fees?
Starting from 1 July 2025, the new visa fees are:

• Base visa application fee: AUD $2,000 (for main applicant)
• Additional applicant (aged 18 and over): AUD $1,225
• Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $400

Subsequent temporary application charge (STAC): AUD $700 (only if applying from inside Australia)

Who Does Not Have to Pay the Fee?
Some students are exempt from the base application charge, including:

• Students from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste
• Secondary exchange students
• Students enrolled under certain Commonwealth-approved training schemes
• Students who need to reapply for a visa due to an education provider default

What You Need Before Applying
Before you apply for a student visa, you must:

• Receive an offer from an Australian education provider
• Accept the offer and pay any fees
• Get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Apply for Subclass 500 student visa

Without a CoE, you won’t be able to apply.

Why Is the Fee Increasing?
According to the Australian government, the fee increase helps maintain the quality and integrity of the student visa program. They want to make sure only genuine students apply and that visa processing is handled fairly and securely.

However, this change has drawn criticism from some education providers and students who are worried about the rising cost of studying in Australia. With tuition fees, living costs, and rent already high, this added fee may make it harder for some students to afford studying here.

What Should International Students Do?
If you're planning to study in Australia:

• Apply early and prepare your documents in advance
• Make sure you understand the full cost, including tuition, visa fees, and living expenses
• Check if you’re eligible for any exemptions or scholarships
• Get help from a trusted education consultant or your chosen university

#trending #latest