📅 Last Updated: July 2026 — All fees reflect changes effective 1 July 2026
⚠️ July 2026 Fee Update: Student visa fees increased on 1 July 2026. VET & Higher Education is now AUD $2,500. ELICOS is now AUD $2,050. All answers below have been updated.
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From 1 July 2026, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) fees are:
- ELICOS (English language, IELTS & PTE prep): AUD $2,050
- VET & Higher Education (Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor & Master degrees): AUD $2,500
- Partner / family member over 18: AUD $1,225
- Dependent child under 18: AUD $400
Onshore applicants also pay an additional $700 Subsequent Temporary Application Charge per applicant. Offshore applicants pay the standard fee only.
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You need to be enrolled in an accredited CRICOS registered course, hold a substantive visa (not a bridging visa) if you are already in Australia, and be covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Depending on your nationality, you may also need to show evidence of sufficient funds and English language proficiency.
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Our team provides a personalised document checklist as part of our free service. Book a free consultation and we'll prepare a checklist specific to your nationality, course, and situation.
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The government-set minimum living cost requirements are:
- Main student: AUD $29,710 per year
- Partner (dependent): AUD $10,394 per year
- Each child: AUD $4,449 per year
Funds must be genuinely available in bank accounts for at least 3 months. Our team can explain this in detail for your specific situation.
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Yes. Your partner can be included as a dependent. Dependent partners have unlimited work rights — no restrictions on hours or occupation, regardless of your course type.
- Partner fee (over 18): AUD $1,225
- Both must be covered by a couple OSHC policy — two separate single policies are not permitted
- De facto partners must prove at least 12 months of living together
It's cheaper to include your partner in your initial application ($1,225) than to add them after the visa is granted. Apply together if possible.
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Yes. Once your course has started, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During official course breaks and school holidays, you can work unlimited hours.
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44/hour for permanent employees and $33.05/hour for casual workers (includes 25% casual loading).
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International students must be enrolled in CRICOS registered face-to-face courses to be eligible for a Student Visa 500. However, alongside your student visa course, you can take any online course you like in your own time — there are no restrictions on this.
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Education agents in Australia are funded by education providers — not by students. Our team provides expert advice and full application support at absolutely zero cost to you. Zero fees, zero headaches — we take care of everything in total transparency.
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Business and management courses are among the most popular and affordable options, with prices starting from around $4,500 for a 12-month course. Contact our team to find the best course for your budget and goals.
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Yes. Working Holiday Visas (417 & 462), Tourist Visas, and most other substantive visas make you eligible to apply for a Student Visa 500 from within Australia — provided there are no conditions on your current visa preventing you from doing so. Switching from a Working Holiday Visa to a Student Visa is one of the most common ways to extend your stay.
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This is very common due to current processing times. As long as you lodge your student visa application before your current visa expires, you are protected. You will receive a Bridging Visa that maintains the same conditions as your previous visa while your application is processed.
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IELTS or PTE is required for TAFE and university courses. For most private VET courses, schools use their own free online English placement tests instead. Depending on your country of origin, immigration may also require an English test for the visa application itself. Our team can advise on what applies to your nationality.
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No — there is no age limit to apply for a Student Visa in Australia. This makes it a great option if you are not eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.
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If you have been studying your primary course for at least 6 months, you are generally eligible to request a release and transfer. If less than 6 months, you will need written approval from your current education provider. Talk to our team before making any decisions about transferring.
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Yes. The Student Visa 500 is a multiple entry visa. You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like during the validity of your visa — to visit family, go travelling, or take a holiday.
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If applying from within Australia, you will receive a Bridging Visa to cover you while you wait. If applying from outside Australia, expect an average processing time of around 3 months. Your visa must be granted before you can enter the country.
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Our team is fast and reactive. Depending on your situation, we may be able to lodge your application before your visa expires — putting you on a Bridging Visa while your student visa is processed. Contact us immediately — don't wait.
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Disclaimer: This information is current as of July 2026. Visa fees and immigration rules can change at any time. Always verify the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before lodging your application. Study Destination is an Australian education agency and is not a registered migration agent.
