Significant Increase in Australian Student Visa Fees from July 1, 2026

With the start of the new financial year on July 1, 2026, the Australian government implemented a new wave of visa fee increases, with the heaviest burden falling on international students and graduates. These changes, announced as a surprise without prior notice, are part of the 2026-27 Federal Budget measures to control migration flows and increase government revenue [1][3].

Details of Student and Graduate Visa Fee Increases According to official statistics released by the Department of Home Affairs, the base application fee for a Student visa (Subclass 500) has increased by 25%, rising from $2,000 to $2,500 AUD [2]. This comes despite the fact that only two years ago, this fee was approximately $710, representing a staggering jump in the cost of entering the Australian education system [1].

The situation is even more difficult for graduates intending to stay in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). The cost of this visa has seen another 25% leap, increasing from $4,600 to $5,750. Notably, the fee for this visa had already doubled just four months ago and has now increased again [2][3].

Changes in Language Courses and Other Categories The government has also introduced a new pricing structure for English language course students (ELICOS). The visa fee for these individuals has now increased to $2,050 [2]. Additionally, other visa categories have not been immune to these increases: - Resident Return Visa (RRV): Has seen a dramatic increase from $490 to $1,475 [4]. - Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Has been raised to $79,423 to align with inflation rates and minimum wage standards [3].

Harsh Reactions from the International Education Industry Leaders in the higher education sector and Australian language institutions are strongly protesting this decision. Phil Honeywood, Chief Executive of the International Education Association of Australia, described the move as "treating students as cash cows to balance budget deficits" [1]. Critics argue that Australia is pricing itself out of global competition, as student visa costs in countries like the United States are less than one-third of Australia's current rate [2].

Jesse Gardner-Russell, President of the Council of Graduate Associations, believes that penalizing individuals who have completed their studies and intend to contribute to the country's economy is the wrong tool for managing migration [2]. These increases come at a time when the government is under intense political pressure to reduce net migration figures [3].