Australia Student Visa Fees for 2026-27

Planning to study in Australia involves more than paying university tuition fees. Students also need to consider the Australia Student Visa fees for 2026-27, health-related expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel costs and other application-related expenses.

For most international students, the relevant visa is the Student Visa (Subclass 500). The amount payable can depend on the visa application, applicant circumstances and any additional services or requirements that apply.

For Indian students, understanding the visa cost before starting the application can make financial planning easier. It is also important to remember that visa fees and immigration requirements can change, so applicants should verify the latest amount with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting an application.

How Much Is the Australia Student Visa Fee for 2026-27?

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee has increased significantly in recent years. For 2026-27 planning, students should budget approximately AUD 2,000 for the primary student visa application, subject to any changes announced by the Australian Government.

The visa application fee is separate from other expenses associated with studying and applying for a student visa.

Expense	Approximate planning cost
Student Visa (Subclass 500) application	Around AUD 2,000
OSHC	Varies according to provider, duration and policy
Health examination	Varies by applicant and approved medical provider
Biometrics, where applicable	May involve an additional charge
Travel to Australia	Varies according to destination and booking date

These figures are intended for budgeting purposes. The actual amount payable can vary, and students should check the official Australian immigration portal before lodging their application.

Important: The visa application fee is not the same as the total cost of moving to Australia. Tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, insurance and travel should be planned separately.

What Other Costs Should Students Budget for?

The visa application fee is only one part of the overall expense. Students may also need to budget for several other costs.

Overseas Student Health Cover

International students generally need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period of their stay.

OSHC helps cover certain healthcare expenses while studying in Australia. The cost depends on factors such as:

• • Insurance provider

• • Length of cover

• • Individual or family coverage

• • Policy features

• Student’s visa and study period

Students should compare policies carefully rather than selecting a plan based only on price.

Health Examination Costs

Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be asked to complete a health examination.

The examination must generally be completed through an approved medical provider. The cost can vary depending on:

• • Required examinations

• • Applicant’s age

• • Medical provider

• • Location

• Additional tests that may be required

Therefore, students should treat health examination costs as a separate part of their visa budget.

Biometrics and Other Possible Charges

Some applicants may be required to provide biometrics as part of the visa process.

Where applicable, there may be additional costs associated with biometrics or related visa services. Students should follow the instructions provided during their application rather than assuming that every applicant will have the same requirements.

Australia Student Visa Costs for Indian Students

For Indian students, the total amount required before travelling to Australia can be substantially higher than the visa application fee alone.

A typical financial plan may include:

• • Student visa application fee

• • Tuition deposit or university fees

• • OSHC

• • Health examination

• • English-language test, if required

• • Education-agent or application-related expenses, where applicable

• • Airfare

• • Accommodation

• • Initial living expenses

• • Local transportation

• Emergency funds

Currency exchange rates can also affect the amount an Indian student ultimately pays in INR.

For this reason, students should avoid converting one fixed AUD amount into INR and assuming it will remain unchanged. Exchange rates can fluctuate between the time of planning and the actual payment date.

What Financial Costs Should You Plan Before Applying?

A good financial plan should cover both visa-related expenses and the broader cost of starting your studies.

Cost category	What to consider
Visa	Student visa application fee
Education	Tuition fees and initial university payment
Insurance	OSHC for the required period
Medical	Health examination if required
Travel	Flight and airport-related expenses
Accommodation	Initial rent and deposit
Living expenses	Food, transport and daily requirements
Education expenses	Books, equipment and other course-related costs
Emergency fund	Unexpected expenses after arrival

The visa fee itself is therefore only one component of the financial preparation required for studying in Australia.

How to Apply for an Australia Student Visa

Once you have selected your course and university, the visa application generally follows several important stages.

Step 1: Receive Your Confirmation of Enrolment

After accepting your course offer and completing the required university process, you generally receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

The CoE is an important document for the student visa application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Visa Documents

Depending on your circumstances, you may need documents relating to:

• • Identity

• • Education

• • English-language ability, where applicable

• • Confirmation of Enrolment

• • Financial circumstances

• • Overseas Student Health Cover

• • Genuine Student requirement

• • Health requirements

• Character requirements

The documents required can vary depending on the applicant.

Step 3: Submit the Student Visa Application

The application is generally submitted through the Australian Government’s online immigration system.

Applicants should carefully review every section before submission and ensure that supporting documents are provided in the required format.

Step 4: Complete Health or Biometrics Requirements if Requested

If the Department of Home Affairs requests a health examination or biometrics, complete the requirement within the specified timeframe.

The requirements can differ between applicants.

Step 5: Wait for the Visa Decision

After submitting the application, the Department of Home Affairs assesses it according to the applicable immigration requirements.

Processing times can vary. Students should avoid making important travel arrangements based solely on an assumed processing time.

What Can Increase the Overall Cost of Studying in Australia?

Several factors can make the overall cost higher than initially expected.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the university, course, study level and duration.

A postgraduate programme in a specialised field may have a different fee structure from an undergraduate programme.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs depend heavily on the city, location and type of accommodation.

Students should consider whether they will live:

• • In university accommodation

• • In a private rental

• • In shared accommodation

• • With a host family

Living Expenses

Daily expenses can include:

• • Food

• • Public transportation

• • Mobile services

• • Utilities

• • Study materials

• • Personal expenses

The cost of living can vary significantly between Australian cities.

Exchange Rate Changes

Indian students paying Australian-dollar expenses should also account for currency fluctuations.

A change in the AUD-INR exchange rate can affect the INR equivalent of tuition, visa and living expenses.

Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid

When planning Australia Student Visa fees for 2026-27, students should avoid these common mistakes:

1. • Budgeting only for the visa fee
     The visa application fee is only one part of the overall study-abroad budget.

1. • Ignoring OSHC
     Health insurance is an important requirement for international students.

1. • Using outdated fee information
     Australian immigration fees can change. Always verify the current amount before payment.

1. • Forgetting health examination expenses
     Some applicants may need to complete medical examinations.

1. • Ignoring currency fluctuations
     The INR equivalent of an AUD expense can change.

1. • Planning travel before the visa decision
     Avoid assuming that a visa will be granted by a particular date.

1. • Confusing university admission with visa approval
     Receiving an offer from an Australian university does not guarantee a student visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Australia Student Visa fee for 2026-27?

Students should budget approximately AUD 2,000 for the primary Student Visa (Subclass 500) application, subject to changes by the Australian Government.

Is OSHC included in the student visa fee?

No. OSHC is a separate expense and generally needs to be arranged for the required period of the student’s stay.

Do Indian students have to pay the same student visa fee?

The applicable visa application fee is determined by the Australian Government and visa application circumstances. Indian students should check the current official fee before applying.

Is the Australia Student Visa fee refundable?

Visa application fees are subject to Australian immigration rules. Students should review the current refund conditions before submitting an application.

Does the visa fee include health examination costs?

No. If a health examination is required, the applicant may need to pay the approved medical provider separately.

Can Australia Student Visa fees change?

Yes. Australian visa fees and immigration requirements can change. Students should verify the current fee immediately before submitting their application.

This article is for educational and informational purposes. University admission requirements, tuition fees, visa rules, scholarships, immigration policies and post-study opportunities may change. Students should verify the latest information with the relevant university, government authority, immigration department, embassy or official source before making a decision

Start Your Study Abroad Journey

For Indian students, currency fluctuations and changes in Australian immigration fees can also affect the overall budget. Before submitting an application, check the latest requirements and charges with the Australian Department of Home Affairs and make sure your supporting documents are complete.

If you are planning to study abroad and need help understanding your options, you can connect with a LetzStudy counsellor for personalised guidance. We can help you explore suitable countries, universities, courses, eligibility requirements, application steps and other aspects of your study-abroad journey based on your academic profile and goals.

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