Important Update · Effective 1 July 2026
🇦🇺 Australia Visa Fees Have Increased — Here's What You Need to Know
Student visas, WHV, Graduate visas, Bridging visas — all updated. Read this before you apply.
The Australian Government has announced an increase to Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fees, effective immediately. If you're planning to study in Australia, this update affects you — and we want to make sure you have all the information you need.
We know unexpected changes like these can be stressful, especially when you're already deep in planning your future in Australia. At Study Destination, we monitor every immigration update as it happens so you don't have to. Our team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make sure your student visa application is prepared correctly from start to finish.
In this article, we break down every fee change, what it means for you, and how to move forward with confidence.
In This Article
Why Did Australian Visa Fees Go Up in 2026?
The Australian Government periodically reviews and adjusts visa application charges to reflect the operational costs of processing applications. The July 2026 increase is one of the most significant rounds of fee changes in recent years, affecting nearly every major visa category — from student visas to visitor visas.
This isn't the first time fees have risen, and it won't be the last. But the scale of some increases — particularly for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and Bridging Visa B — is notable. Staying informed is the best way to plan your budget correctly and avoid surprises.
💡 The good news
Australia is still one of the best destinations in the world to study, work, and build a future. Knowing exactly what to expect — including fees — means you can plan with confidence and focus on what really matters: your journey here.
For official details, read the Government announcement directly: Department of Home Affairs — Student Visa 500 →
Student Visa Australia 2026: The Biggest Changes
The student visa is the most important category for our community, so let's start here. There are two student visa streams, and their fee increases are different — pay attention to which one applies to your course.
ELICOS Courses
English language, IELTS & PTE preparation
Was
AUD $2,000
Now
AUD $2,050
+$50 increase
VET & Higher Education
Diplomas, degrees, certificates
Was
AUD $2,000
Now
AUD $2,500
+$500 increase — plan ahead!
The most significant student visa change is for VET and Higher Education — this covers the vast majority of international students in Australia. Diplomas, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, certificate courses — if your course isn't a pure ELICOS (English language) program, you're looking at the $2,500 fee.
This is a $500 increase (25% jump) compared to the previous fee of $2,000. For many students, this is a significant extra cost to factor into your overall study budget in Australia.
💡 Pro tip: The visa application fee is just one part of your study budget. Make sure you also account for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. The Study Destination team can help you build a complete financial plan — book a free consultation here.
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
The Student Guardian Visa — for parents or relatives accompanying a student under 18 — has also increased from AUD $2,000 to AUD $2,500. This is another $500 increase to plan for if you're bringing a family member as a guardian.
Full Australia Visa Fee Comparison: Before & After July 2026
Here's a complete look at every visa type affected by the July 2026 fee increase:
| Visa Type | Before 1 July 2026 | After 1 July 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Working Holiday Visa (417) 1st Work & Holiday (462) |
AUD $670 | AUD $840 | +$170 |
| 2nd & 3rd WHV (417) 2nd & 3rd Work & Holiday (462) |
AUD $670 | AUD $1,000 | +$330 |
| Student Visa (ELICOS) | AUD $2,000 | AUD $2,050 | +$50 |
| Student Visa (VET & Higher Education) | AUD $2,000 | AUD $2,500 | +$500 |
| Student Guardian Visa (590) | AUD $2,000 | AUD $2,500 | +$500 |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (485) | AUD $4,600 | AUD $5,750 | +$1,150 |
| Bridging Visa B | AUD $190 | AUD $575 | +$385 |
| Visitor Visa 600 (Onshore) | AUD $500 | AUD $630 | +$130 |
Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026: What Changed?
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) are among the most popular visas for young travellers coming to Australia. Here's what the increase looks like:
1st WHV (417 / 462)
AUD $840
Previously $670 — up by $170
2nd & 3rd WHV (417 / 462)
AUD $1,000
Previously $670 — up by $330
The second and third WHV increase is particularly notable — it's now AUD $1,000, which is a nearly 50% jump from the old fee of $670. If you're planning to extend your working holiday by doing regional work to qualify for a second or third visa, make sure you budget this in.
Need help applying for your Working Holiday Visa? Our team has helped hundreds of backpackers navigate the process. Talk to us for free →
Temporary Graduate Visa (485): The Biggest Jump
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has seen the biggest absolute increase of any visa in this round: from AUD $4,600 to AUD $5,750 — a jump of $1,150.
Old fee
$4,600
→
New fee
$5,750
+$1,150
increase
The 485 visa allows international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution to live and work in Australia temporarily. It's the most common pathway for students who want to gain work experience after their studies before applying for permanent residency.
Given the significant cost, planning for this visa fee early — ideally before you even start your course — is strongly recommended. Study Destination's advisors can help you map out the full financial journey.
Bridging Visa B: A Tripling of the Fee
Perhaps the most dramatic percentage increase is the Bridging Visa B, which has jumped from AUD $190 to AUD $575 — that's more than tripling in cost. The Bridging Visa B allows people who are already onshore and have a pending visa application to travel overseas temporarily and return to Australia. If this applies to you, plan accordingly.
Visitor Visa (600) — Onshore Application
The Visitor Visa 600 (applied onshore) has increased from AUD $500 to AUD $630. If you have family or friends planning to visit you in Australia, make sure they're aware of the new fee.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Update your budget
If you were using the old fees in your financial planning, revise your spreadsheet now. The differences range from $50 to over $1,000 depending on your visa type.
Don't delay your application
If you were waiting to apply, waiting longer won't make fees go down. Work with an advisor to get your documents in order and apply as soon as you're eligible.
Think about your full pathway
Each step has a cost. Planning your entire journey now means no surprises later. Our team can map this out with you in a free session.
We are here to support you
Not sure how these changes affect your plans?
Send us a message. Our team will help you understand your options and find the best pathway for your situation — at no cost to you.
Contact Us →⚠️ Please note: The Australian Government may update visa application fees at any time. We recommend checking the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information before lodging your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the new fees apply if I applied before 1 July 2026?
If you lodged and paid for your visa application before 1 July 2026, the old fee applies to your application. The new fees only apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
Generally, visa application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. This is why it's so important to get your application right the first time. Working with experts reduces the risk of refusal significantly.
How do I know which student visa stream applies to my course?
ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) refers specifically to standalone English language courses. If your course is a Diploma, Bachelor, Master, Certificate III/IV, or any VET qualification, the VET & Higher Education stream applies — and the new fee is AUD $2,500. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll confirm for your specific situation.
Will fees go up again after 2026?
The Australian Government reviews visa fees annually. While we can't predict future increases, the trend over recent years has been upward. The best strategy is to apply as soon as you're ready rather than waiting and hoping for lower fees.
Does Study Destination charge for visa advice?
No. Our initial consultations and guidance on courses, visas, and life in Australia are completely free. We're here to help you make the best decision for your future. Get in touch here.
Quick summary: 2026 Australia visa fee changes
- Student Visa (VET & Higher Education): now AUD $2,500 (+$500)
- Student Visa (ELICOS): now AUD $2,050 (+$50)
- Student Guardian Visa (590): now AUD $2,500 (+$500)
- 1st Working Holiday Visa: now AUD $840 (+$170)
- 2nd & 3rd Working Holiday Visa: now AUD $1,000 (+$330)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (485): now AUD $5,750 (+$1,150)
- Bridging Visa B: now AUD $575 (+$385)
- Visitor Visa 600 (Onshore): now AUD $630 (+$130)
Study Destination Australia
Published 2 July 2026 · 5 min read
