Effective June–July 2025, Australia has introduced a number of key reforms to the student visa system. Among all the changes, one very prominent one is the increase in visa application fees of Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500). It’s just a year after the previous major increase, implemented in July 2024, from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. Last year, we saw a 125% increase in the visa fees. And this year, it’s another 25% increase.

The visa application fee is a non-refundable transaction, paid directly to the Department of Home Affairs, and it’s required at the time of visa application, regardless of the outcome. The current fee hike is titled as part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls and deter non-genuine applications.

Following is the new visa application fees for Subclass 500:

Visa Category	Fee (AUD)
Student Visa (Subclass 500)	AUD 2,000
Dependent Adult	AUD 1,225
Dependent Child (<18 yrs)	AUD 400