New Student Visa Charges in Australia (Effective 2025)

New Student Visa Charges in Australia (Effective 2025)

Australia has introduced revised visa application charges for international students and their guardians. These updates affect several subclasses under the Student and Guardian visa categories, with distinct fee structures based on the type of applicant and the nature of the visa. Below is a detailed breakdown of the changes as per the latest fee schedule.

1. Student Guardian Visa – Subclass 590

• Base Application Charge: AUD 2,000.00

• Additional Applicant Charges: AUD 0.00 (both for under 18 and 18+)

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: AUD 700.00

• Non-Internet Application Charge: Not Applicable

This subclass allows a parent or legal guardian to accompany a minor student. Notably, there are no additional applicant charges regardless of age.

2. Student Visa – Subclass 500 (All Other Students)

• Base Application Charge: AUD 2,000.00

• Additional Applicant (18+): AUD 1,225.00

• Additional Applicant (Under 18): AUD 400.00

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: AUD 700.00

• Non-Internet Application Charge: Not Applicable

This is the most common student visa type, used for general study programs across sectors like higher education, ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students), and VET (Vocational Education and Training). There is a significant increase in charges for additional applicants, particularly those aged 18 or over.

3. Student Visa – Subclass 500 (Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector)

• Base Application Charge: AUD 0.00

• Additional Applicant Charges: Not Applicable

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: Not Applicable

• Non-Internet Application Charge: Not Applicable

Applicants sponsored by the Australian Government under foreign affairs or defence programs are exempt from all visa fees under this subclass.

4. Student Visa – Subclass 500 (Postgraduate Research Sector)

• Base Application Charge: AUD 2,000.00

• Additional Applicant Charges: Not Applicable

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: Not Applicable

• Non-Internet Application Charge: Not Applicable

Postgraduate research students are subject only to the base fee. This aligns with Australia's ongoing efforts to support international research collaboration.

5. Student Visa – Subclass 500 (Secondary Exchange – Schools Sector)

• Base Application Charge: AUD 0.00

• Additional Applicant Charges: Not Applicable

• Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: Not Applicable

• Non-Internet Application Charge: Not Applicable

School-based student exchange participants are fully exempt from visa charges under this subclass, reflecting a commitment to promoting educational exchange programs.

Implications for International Students and Agents

• The standard fee for most student visas has been raised to AUD 2,000.00, with substantial extra charges for accompanying dependents.

• Subsequent temporary visa applications (if lodged onshore) incur a further AUD 700.00, increasing the overall cost of study migration.

• Government-supported and school exchange applicants remain protected from these increases.

Education agents, migration advisors, and students should factor these changes into their financial planning and visa strategy. Early lodgement and accurate classification under the appropriate subclass will help avoid unnecessary fees and processing delays.