The Australian government raised the cost of both student and post-study work visas on Wednesday. The increase was neither announced in advance nor accompanied by a public explanation.
According to the latest update from the Department of Home Affairs, the subclass 500 student visa fee for higher education and vocational education and training (VET) has jumped from $2,000 to $2,500. Students from ASEAN countries are subject to a slightly lower fee of $2,050.
The visa application fee for English-language studies (ELICOS) has increased from $2,000 to $2,050, while the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) for post-study work has surged from $4,600 to $5,750.
The cost of studying in Australia has risen relentlessly over the past years. The student visa fee climbed from $710 to $1,600 in 2024, before hitting $2,000 in July 2025.
The Temporary Graduate Visa, which allows foreign graduates to stay and work for up to three years, had already doubled in cost just four months prior to this latest hike. Applicants will not receive a refund if their visas are rejected.
