Australia has increased the application fee for its Student Visa (Subclass 500), making it more expensive for international students planning to study in the country. However, the government has introduced a lower visa fee for students enrolling in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), providing limited relief for those pursuing standalone English language programmes.
The revised fee structure is expected to influence study-abroad decisions, including among thousands of Indian students.
Student Visa Fee Increased
From July 2026, the application fee for Australia’s Student Visa (Subclass 500) has increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, a rise of 25%. The higher fee applies to most international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational, and other academic programmes.
The increase makes Australia one of the most expensive destinations globally in terms of student visa application costs.
ELICOS Students Get A Lower Fee
Unlike other applicants, students enrolling only in ELICOS programmes will pay a reduced visa application fee of AUD 2,050. ELICOS courses are designed to help international students improve their English language skills before joining degree or vocational programmes.
The lower fee is intended to encourage language learners while maintaining Australia’s attractiveness as a destination for English language education.
What It Means For Indian Students
For most Indian students planning to pursue higher education in Australia, the revised fee means a higher upfront cost before beginning their studies. Combined with tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and living costs, the increase could affect budgeting and financial planning.
Students considering English language programmes may benefit from the lower ELICOS fee, but those moving on to degree courses will still need to meet all applicable visa requirements.
Education Sector Reacts
The visa fee hike has drawn criticism from sections of Australia’s international education industry. Some education experts believe the higher charges could make Australia less competitive compared to countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, where visa application costs are generally lower.
Others argue that the ELICOS concession provides only limited relief because it applies to a relatively small group of international students.
Planning Ahead
Students intending to study in Australia should factor the revised visa charges into their overall education budget. Experts also recommend checking the latest visa requirements, financial capacity rules, and application timelines before submitting their study permit applications.
Summary
Australia has increased its Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 for most international students. However, applicants enrolling in standalone ELICOS English language programmes will pay a lower fee of AUD 2,050. While the concession benefits language learners, most Indian students heading for higher education will face higher visa costs.
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