How much does an Australian student visa cost in 2026?

From 1 July 2026 the Student visa (subclass 500) application charge is $2,500 for most applicants. ELICOS-only and non-award students pay $2,050, and eligible Pacific applicants pay $745. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

You must show $29,710 for 12 months of living costs, plus $10,394 for a partner and $4,449 per child, on top of your first year of tuition and a return airfare. Funds need a consistent 3-6 month history.

How long does a student visa take to process?

Most complete applications are decided within 1 to 3 months, but times vary by education sector and time of year. Apply as soon as you have your CoE — at least 2-3 months before your course starts.

Updated July 2026

Live in Oz · Guides

Student Visa Australia: Cost, Requirements, Processing Time (2026)

From 1 July 2026 the Student visa (subclass 500) costs $2,500 — non-refundable, even on refusal. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment, a Genuine Student statement, OSHC health cover, and proof of $29,710 in living-cost funds. Most complete applications are decided within 1–3 months.

What does the student visa cost in 2026?

Applicant	Charge (from 1 July 2026)
Main applicant (most courses)	$2,500
ELICOS-only / non-award courses	$2,050
Eligible Pacific & Timor-Leste applicants	$745
Partner (18+) added to application	$2,500
Each child under 18	$625

The charge is paid once per application and is not refunded if the visa is refused — which is why the Genuine Student statement deserves real effort, not a template.

What are the requirements?

Four things carry the application: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered (CRICOS) course; the Genuine Student (GS) requirement — written answers showing why this course, why Australia, and how it fits your plans; Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay; and financial capacity. English test scores apply to most nationalities and courses.

How much money do I need to show?

Home Affairs wants $29,710 for your first 12 months of living costs, plus $10,394 for a partner and $4,449 per child, plus your first year of tuition and a return airfare. School-aged children add about $13,502 per year in school costs. Money should sit in your account with a clean 3–6 month history — large unexplained deposits right before applying are a classic refusal trigger.

How long does processing take?

Most complete applications are decided in 1–3 months. Higher-education applications generally move faster than VET; peak season (November–February) is slower. Apply the day you have your CoE, and never book non-refundable flights before the grant.

Why do student visas get refused?

The usual reasons: weak or copied GS answers, money appearing from nowhere, gaps between past study and the new course with no explanation, and choosing a course that looks unrelated to your background. If your history is complicated — a previous refusal, a long study gap — a registered agent's help costs far less than a lost $2,500 fee.

General information only, not personal migration advice.

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