Cost of Australia Student Visa: Updated Fees, Processing Rules & Complete Guide
Cost of an Australian Student Visa: The Update Guiding How Future Students Prepare.
Australia continues to be one of the most preferred study destinations for international students. With world-class universities, post-study work opportunities, and a multicultural environment, the appeal is obvious. However, the Australian Government has recently updated the fee structure and processing rules for the Subclass 500 Student Visa making it essential for future students to understand the financial and procedural expectations before applying.
This guide breaks down the latest visa costs, stay duration rules, eligibility conditions, processing updates, and preparation strategies so students can plan confidently and avoid unexpected delays.
Visa Cost (Subclass 500): What Students Need to Budget For
The base cost of the Student Visa (Subclass 500) now starts from AUD 2,000. This cost applies to most applicants, but there are specific updates students should be aware of:
Revised Fee Structure
- Standard applicants: Visa fee starts from AUD 2,000.
- Pacific Island & Timor-Leste citizens: Lower visa fees apply for applications lodged on or after 22 March 2025, under Australia’s regional engagement initiatives.
Additional Costs Students Must Consider
Beyond the visa application fee, students also need to budget for:
- Medical examinations
- Biometrics
- English language tests (IELTS/ PTE / TOEFL)
- Police clearance certificates
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory for all students
- Travel & health insurance (if needed)
Australia’s Visa Pricing Estimator can help applicants calculate updated costs depending on their situation.
Duration of Stay: How Long Students Can Live in Australia
The Student Visa can allow students to stay in Australia for up to 6 years, depending on the length and structure of the enrolled CRICOS-registered course.
Key Conditions
- Travel flexibility: Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity period.
- Work rights: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
Processing Rules: What Changed and Why It Matters
Visa processing now follows updated Ministerial Directions (MDs), which clarify how applications are prioritised.
Which Rule Applies to You?
- Applications lodged before 14 November 2025: Processed under MD 111
- Applications lodged on or after 14 November 2025: Processed under MD 115
These updates influence how visa applications are assessed and the order in which decisions are made.
Students can check estimated processing times using the Visa Processing Time Guide Tool. While these times are not guaranteed, they help applicants plan their travel and course start dates more accurately
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply for the Subclass 500 Visa
To apply for an Australian Student Visa, you must meet the core eligibility conditions:
Primary Requirements
- Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) portal
- Must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
- Must hold a valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
- Minimum age requirement: 6 years old
- For students under 18, approved welfare arrangements are mandatory
- If applying inside Australia, the applicant must hold a substantive visa
- When a new substantive visa is granted, it automatically cancels the previous one
These rules help ensure applicants are genuine students with adequate support and health coverage.
Study Gap Eligibility
- Australia accepts study gaps if they are genuine and explained properly.
- No fixed gap limit, but longer gaps require stronger justification.
- Accepted reasons: medical issues, family duties, employment, skill courses, business work, financial problems, exam preparation.
- Must be clearly justified in the GTE statement.
- Provide supporting proof: experience letters, medical documents, course certificates, business records, or internship proof.
Preparation Tips
Preparing for an Australian student visa requires a strategic and organised approach. Students should begin by gathering all essential documents early, including their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), academic records, financial evidence, English test scores, passport copies, health insurance (OSHC), and a clear, well-written GTE statement. Each document must be accurate, properly formatted, and, where required, certified or translated. Applicants should also ensure that their financial documents clearly demonstrate their ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of their stay. Submitting incomplete or unclear files is one of the main reasons applications face delays, so double-checking every entry before lodgement is critical. After applying, students must actively monitor their email and ImmiAccount, as quick responses to any Department of Home Affairs requests can significantly speed up processing. Staying informed, following the official application steps, and maintaining a well-organised checklist ensure a smoother visa experience and increase the chances of receiving a timely outcome.
Conclusion
The updated fee structure and processing rules have made Australia’s student visa system more transparent, helping future applicants understand what to expect before they begin their journey. With clearer guidelines on costs, processing priorities, and stay conditions, students can plan more confidently. Ultimately, success depends on submitting clean, complete documentation and maintaining quick communication with the Department of Home Affairs. With proper preparation and accurate paperwork, students can navigate the visa process efficiently and look forward to starting their studies in Australia without unnecessary stress.
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