Student Visa Application Charge increase

Key details

• The Australian Government has increased visa application charges for all visas, including the Student Visa Application Charge (VAC). The Student VAC increased from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500 from 1 July 2026.
• There are some concessions (See below). These students will continue to pay the current application charge, plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment (a small yearly increase that reflects changes in the cost of living).

Who is not affected by the increase?

The following will continue to pay the current application charge, plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment:

• Primary Student visa applicants holding passports from ASEAN member countries:
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
• Students applying for independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses are also exempt. These arrangements recognise the shorter length of ELICOS and Non-Award study programs.
• Primary applicants holding passports from these countries:
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Nauru
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Republic of the Marshall Islands
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

What about Temporary Graduate visas?

The Temporary Graduate Visa application charge increased from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750 from 1 July 2026. The existing concession for Pacific Island and Timor Leste applicants continues to apply. These students will continue to pay the current application charge, plus an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment.

Demand for Temporary Graduate visas remains strong. Visa holders continue to have unlimited work rights and can use their Australian qualifications to access work opportunities in Australia or overseas.

Your rights and protections

The Australian Government remains committed to providing a world-class education in a safe and welcoming environment. Australia has laws that protect your rights as an international student and help to ensure you have a positive student experience.

If you have any issues with your education provider, there is support available: 

• The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) helps international students if an education or training provider cannot fully deliver their course. 
• All students enrolled in VET courses with public providers can get help with unresolved complaints from their local state or territory Ombudsman.  
• All students studying at higher education providers can get help with unresolved complaints through the the new National Student Ombudsman.

Applying for a Student visa

Australia continues to welcome international students from all over the world and remains a top study destination. International students bring new ideas and skills to our society, diverse perspectives to our classrooms and communities, and sought-after talent to Australia’s workforce.

Find how to apply for a Student visa in our step-by-step guide.