Top 5 Australia Study Visa Fees & Costs [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused about Australia study visa fees? Our 2025-2026 guide breaks down the main student visa (subclass 500) cost, mandatory financial proof, health checks, and total budget you need. Get the official figures and smart saving tips.

Slug: australia-study-visa-fees-2025-guide

TL;DR
The base visa application charge for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) is AUD $710 for the primary applicant. However, the total cost of obtaining and maintaining your visa is significantly higher, typically ranging from AUD $25,000 to $70,000+ per year, when you factor in mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of financial capacity, tuition deposits, and biometrics. Always check the latest fees on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

Planning your studies in Australia starts with understanding the real costs involved. While the visa application fee is a fixed, upfront cost, the Australian government requires you to demonstrate you can financially support your entire stay. This guide breaks down every fee and hidden cost for the 2025–2026 period, so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises that could jeopardise your application.

What is the current Australia student visa application fee?

The current base application charge for a Student visa (subclass 500) is AUD $710. This is the fee you pay to the Department of Home Affairs when you submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount. It’s crucial to note that this fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official visa pricing page, this fee is subject to periodic indexation, so always verify the exact amount at the time of your application.

• Primary Applicant Fee: AUD $710.
• Additional Applicant Fees: If you are including family members (like a spouse or children) in your application, additional charges apply:
  • For applicants 18 years and over: AUD $530 per person.
  • For applicants under 18: AUD $175 per person.
• Payment Method: Fees must be paid online via ImmiAccount using a credit or debit card.

What are the other mandatory costs beyond the visa fee?

Beyond the $710 fee, you must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of financial capacity, and potential health checks. The visa fee is just the tip of the iceberg. The Australian government mandates several other financial commitments to ensure you can support yourself without hardship.

The most significant cost is demonstrating financial capacity. You must prove you have enough money to cover your travel, tuition, and living costs. As a guideline, you need to show access to:

• Travel Costs: Funds for a return airfare to Australia.
• Annual Living Costs: At least AUD $24,505 for 12 months of living expenses (for the primary student).
• Tuition Fees: Evidence of funds to pay for your first year of course fees, or that they have already been paid.

Other mandatory costs include:

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): You must purchase OSHC for the entire duration of your visa. Costs vary by provider and coverage but typically range from AUD $500 to $650 per year for a single person.
• Biometrics Collection: Applicants from certain countries may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC), which incurs an extra service fee.
• Health Examinations: If required, you must complete medical checks with a panel physician. Costs vary by country and tests needed.
• Police Clearance Certificates: You may need to obtain police certificates from countries you’ve lived in, which have their own fees.

Tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can help you assess the strength of your financial evidence as part of your overall application profile.

How much proof of funds do I need to show for my student visa?

You need to show access to at least AUD $24,505 per year for living costs, plus tuition and travel. This is not money you necessarily pay upfront, but you must provide evidence (like bank statements or loans) that you or your sponsor have genuine access to these funds. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official student visa requirements, these figures are adjusted annually.

The 12-month living cost requirement breaks down as follows:

• Primary Student: AUD $24,505
• Partner or Spouse: AUD $8,574
• First Child: AUD $3,670
• Each Additional Child: AUD $2,740

You must also show funds for:*

• Course Fees: Calculate the cost of your first year of tuition or provide proof of payment.
• Travel Costs: A reasonable amount for a return economy airfare to Australia.

Example: A single postgraduate student with first-year tuition of AUD $40,000 would need to show evidence of access to roughly: $40,000 (tuition) + $24,505 (living) + ~$2,000 (travel) = AUD $66,505.

Can my student visa application be refused due to financial reasons?

Yes, a significant number of refusals are due to insufficient or non-genuine proof of financial capacity. The Department of Home Affairs case officers strictly assess your financial evidence. Simply having a bank statement with a large, recent deposit is often not enough. They look for a genuine savings history or a stable, verifiable source of funds.

Common reasons for refusal on financial grounds include:

• Insufficient Funds: The total amount shown does not meet the minimum 12-month requirement for living costs, tuition, and travel.
• Non-Genuine Savings: Funds appear to be borrowed temporarily just for the visa application (often called “loan docs”).
• Unverifiable Source: The origin of the funds cannot be properly documented or traced.
• Inadequate Documentation: Bank statements are incomplete, not translated, or don’t cover the required 3-6 month savings period.

To avoid this, ensure your financial documents are clear, consistent, and demonstrate a genuine savings history. For a detailed analysis of how your financials and other factors impact your chances, using a specialised tool like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can provide a data-driven assessment.

What are some tips to manage the total cost of an Australian student visa?

Plan early, explore scholarship opportunities, and consider regional study for potential savings. Managing the total cost requires a strategic approach long before you submit your visa application.

Actionable Tips to Manage Costs:

1. Apply Early: Some education providers offer early bird discounts on tuition fees. Applying early also gives you more time to arrange your finances.
2. Research Scholarships: Investigate scholarships offered by Australian universities, the Australian government (like Australia Awards), and your home country’s government.
3. Consider Regional Areas: Studying in a designated regional area can be cheaper. Some regions also offer post-study work visa incentives and may have lower living costs.
4. Accurate Financial Proof: Use official tools to calculate your exact needs. For instance, you can use NovenAI’s free PR Points Calculator to understand how regional study might benefit your long-term migration goals, even if you’re initially on a student visa.
5. Compare OSHC Providers: Don’t just accept the OSHC suggested by your institution. Shop around and compare coverage and costs from approved providers like Bupa, Medibank, Allianz, and NIB.
6. Understand Work Rights: Remember, Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. This can help with living expenses but should not be relied upon for your initial proof of funds.

Navigating the financial requirements for an Australian Student Visa is a critical step in your education journey. By understanding all the fees—from the upfront AUD $710 application charge to the substantial proof of funds—you can prepare a robust and convincing application. Always double-check the latest figures on the Department of Home Affairs website and ensure your financial documentation is impeccable. With careful planning and the right resources, you can turn your goal of studying in Australia into a reality.

Ready to plan your future in Australia with confidence? Let NovenAI’s AI Migration Mentor guide you through every financial and documentary requirement, ensuring your student visa application is as strong as possible. Start your journey at NovenAI.com today.