Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa: Costs & More 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Sep 02,2025

Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa Know About Costs, Changes, and Tips to Save- TerraTern

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Applying for a 2025 Australian study visa involves extraordinary Australia embassy fees, especially for the student visa. All the information international students, families, and education consultants need to know about costs, updates, payment options, recent changes, impacts, and practical solutions is found in this guide to ensure transparency and make the right decisions at each stage. Let me tell you about the latest Australia embassy fees for student visa.

 

What are the Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa in 2025?

Australia map; Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa: TerraTern

Australia’s complex embassy costs and fee structure require careful planning. This section breaks down the most relevant fees for all common visa categories, including direct comparisons.

Current Student Visa Subclass 500 Fees

These charges apply to new student visa applications as well as extensions and subsequent entrants.

Fee Category

Amount (AUD)

Primary applicant

2,000

Each additional applicant (over 18)

1,225

Each additional applicant (under 18)

400

Subsequent entrant (primary)

730

 

Other Visa Categories and Costs

Here are other visa categories and their costs:

Visa Type

Fee (AUD)

Comments

Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

190-195

Most common for short-term tourism or visiting friends/family

Working Holiday Visa

495

Young adults for work-travel programs

Temporary Graduate Visa

2,030

For recent graduates wishing to stay and work after study

Student Guardian Visa (590)

2,000

For guardians accompanying minor students

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to the Australia Study Visa Process

Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa: Payment Process for Indians in 2025

Paying your Australia embassy fees for student visa is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and understand surcharge rules.

Accepted Payment Methods for Student Visa

A number of other trendy payment methods are accommodated by the Department of Home Affairs: 

  • Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

  • PayPal payments for international convenience

  • UnionPay cards to China and some other Asian markets for applicants

  • Direct bank transfers to Basket inside your official ImmiAccount

Payment Surcharges and Additional Costs

As the customer, be sure that you have the total amount of money to be paid by you before making your application, as this will delay the process of making your application. 

  • Credit Card Fee: The rate ranges between 1.4 percent and 2.0 percent

  • Non-Internet-based Application Fees: There can be additional charges to make the submissions in a paper-based form

  • International Payments: There will be a conversion fee on international payments

Australia Embassy Fees Study Visa: Recent Changes and Impact in 2025

Australian flag on a pole; Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa:  TerraTern

This year’s changes to Australia embassy fees study visa have reshaped the landscape for international students:

Historical Fee Progression of Study Visa

Making sense of the recent leap in Australia embassy fees study visa begins with how this phenomenon has evolved over each yearly rise, student budgets have been redefined, and it has become a cause of concern internationally. The table below shows how the fee would triple to AUD 2,000 in July 2025, making Australia the country with the most expensive studying for foreigners.

Year

Student Visa Fee (AUD)

% Increase

2023

710

July 2024

1,600

125%

July 2025

2,000

25%

 

Impact on International Students

Such fee increases do not only affect the figures of paper documents but also really affect students who want to study in Australia. Increased enrollment limits, dwindling numbers of ELICOS applicants, and hefty documentation requirements mean that international students are having it even harder than before in calculating the Australia embassy fees study visa, and pursuing their academic aspirations. 

  • Enrollment Limit: 2025 Applications are at 270,000 students, which excludes many applicants.

  • LicOS Drop: English course enrollments had reduced by 50 percent, pointing to the impact on the non-university pathways.

  • Financial Privilege: There is an increased financial burden, and students have to be more financially constrained, and at the same time have to submit more financial documents.

  • Working After Study Opportunities: Academic reputation and good quality of life continue to be the main incentives for the overseas applicant.

Also Read: Why Study in Australia? Latest Updated Guide

 

What are the Factors Affecting Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa in 2025?

Before calculating your budget, it’s important to understand that Australia embassy fees for student visa aren’t the same for everyone; several unique factors and cost determinants play a role in shaping individual expenses.

Geographic Considerations for Australia Embassy Fess

When it comes to Australia embassy fees, where applicants are located and their citizenship status play a direct role in determining the final cost for a student visa. Students from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste benefit from reduced fees, while currency exchange fluctuations and the specific regional migration office may further adjust overall visa charges and payment timelines for others.

  • Pacific Island Rates: Cola-fee repayment structure and leverages reduced fee structure on the citizens of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste as part of the education access initiative in the region.

  • Currency Exchange: The exchange rate changes internationally, and thus the applicants paying high fees may be affected, like Indian, Chinese, and African applicants.

  • Geographical Considerations: Depending on the migration office a person is applying to, the clock time of the processing and requirements may vary.

Course Duration and Type Impact

Applicants should note that Australia embassy fees can shift depending on the length and type of their chosen study program. Short-term courses, pathway programs, and vocational tracks often come with unique or higher fee structures, while those pursuing university degrees or post-study work rights will find distinct pricing and validity conditions under current student visa policies.

  • Short-term Courses: They tend to have a greater cost comparatively (i.e., pathway and vocational programs).

  • Pathway Programs: those who are taking ELICOS or multi-stage courses to get the advantage of extension in the application and different kinds of documentation distribution.

  • University as Opposed To Vocational: post-study and graduate working visas have a different price and validity structure.

Comparison with Global Student Visa Fees in 2025

A man taking out money from wallet; Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa: TerraTern

Compared internationally, Australia embassy fees are the highest for student visas.

International Fee Comparison

Australia embassy fees for student visa fee is more than double the next global competitor, underscoring its premium cost position.

Country

Student Visa Fee

Remarks

USA

USD $185

Moderate fees, SEVIS surcharge

Canada

CAD $150

Most affordable option

UK

£524 (approx. AUD $1,000)

Second-highest after Australia

Australia

AUD $2,000

Highest globally

Germany

€75

Blocked account requirement

France

€99

Some tuition-free universities

Also Read: Study In Australia- Unlocking A Complete Guide

Expert Tips for Managing Australia Embassy Fees in 2025

Navigating high Australia embassy fees for student visa requires careful financial planning and expert hacks.

Budget Planning Strategies for the Australia Embassy Fees

Navigating the Australia embassy fees payment process is crucial for a smooth application. Knowing your options and surcharges helps you avoid costly mistakes and get your visa on time.

  • Plan Your Course Ahead: The earlier you apply, the better, so you can secure the current fee rate and not face future fee increases.

  • Forex Hedging: This is done through the use of forex cards or currency options to cover exchange rate risks to save on conversion costs.

  • Facilitate a Better Timing of Payment: Pay to get more favorable exchange rates and calendar windows.

Available Exemptions and Waivers

When paying your Australia embassy fees, applicants should plan for extra charges and currency conversion fees, which can push their total costs higher than the base visa price. These details make a real difference in budgeting for study abroad.

  • Pacific Island Advantages: Discount on some citizenships- verify eligibility prior to payment.

  • Emergencies: Potential exceptions that are related to a natural disaster, health emergency, or a diplomatic issue.

  • Provider Error Circumstances: The compensations or fee waivers can be applicable in case of an application error elicited by the education provider.

What is the Future Outlook for Australia Embassy Fees in 2025 and Beyond?

Money and keys; Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa: TerraTern

Forecasting the direction of Australia embassy fees is key for students planning in 2026 and beyond.

Government Policy Directions

Tracking policy changes is key. The direction of Australia embassy fees for student visas depends on shifting government strategies, election promises, and ongoing debates balancing immigration, education quality, and the country’s economic interests. 

  • Labor Party Policies: The present government is concerned with revenue raising and the sustainability of international education.

  • Resistance Strategies: Potential doubling of fees to AUD 2,500 -5,000 for certain programs in some universities and pathways.

  • Industry Consultations: Consultations among migrant agencies, the education institutions, and the government are ongoing in attempts to bring about a balance between global competitiveness and cost recovery.

  • The Fee Reviews: Are most definitely annual, and students are encouraged to check the official site of the Department of Home Affairs regularly to see any changes.

Also Read: Austria Study Visa - Charting A Course To Excellence

Latest Updates and News About Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa 2025

Here are the latest trends and news about the Australia Embassy Fees:

  • Student Visa Fee Hike: Australia student visa fee is hiked by AUD 1000 to become AUD 2,000 starting July 1, 2025

  • World's Most Expensive: The Australia fees for a student visa have since become the most expensive in the world, compared to the US$185 and Canada C$150 charges.

  • LICOS Impact: English language course applications fell by 41% after the prior fee rises

  • Temporary Pacific Island Exemption: This continues despite the changes in March 2025 to reduce fees in major categories only to Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens

  • Revenue Increase: The fee increase will bring an AUD $760 million revenue increase in four years

  • Industry Concerns: Education providers have reported high numbers of business closures and loss of jobs

  • Opposition Proposals: Coalition proposes a bit more, i.e., AUD $2,500-$5,000 to premium universities

 

Conclusion

The Australia embassy fees for student visa in 2025 present a significant financial commitment for international students, with costs surging to AUD $2,000 per application—the highest student visa fee worldwide. Planning ahead and understanding these fees, surcharges, exemptions for Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens, and the payment process is essential to avoid unnecessary financial hurdles.

By staying updated on government policy directions and seeking expert budgeting strategies, applicants can navigate Australia embassy fees, make informed decisions, and maximize their chances to study in Australia’s world-class academic environment . For the latest updates and official information on Australia embassy fees, always visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. To know more about Australia embassy fees, visit TerraTern now!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Australia embassy fees for student visa in 2025?

The student visa (Subclass 500) is currently set at AUD $2,000 for primary applicants, with lower rates for subsequent entrants and dependent applicants. This increase took effect on July 1, 2025, making Australia the country with the world’s highest student visa fees. Additional costs, such as payment surcharges and currency conversions, may further affect the overall amount students need to budget.

Are Australia student visa embassy fees refundable?

No, the Australia embassy fees are non-refundable if your visa is rejected or withdrawn; the paid amount is not returned. It’s important to carefully prepare your student visa application and submit all required documentation to lower the risk of refusal. Refunds are extremely rare and are only considered in specific error or extenuating circumstances as determined by the authorities.

What payment methods are accepted for Australia embassy fees?

Accepted payment methods include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), PayPal, UnionPay, and bank transfers via ImmiAccount. Applicants should check for any payment surcharges; credit card transactions typically incur a fee of 1.4–2%. All fees must be paid in Australian dollars, and applicants should confirm their bank’s currency conversion charges when paying from overseas.

Do Pacific Island students pay the same Australia embassy fees?

No, reduced fees apply to Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens for the student visa category since March 2025. This exemption seeks to promote educational access and international cooperation within the region. The eligibility and required supporting documents are listed clearly on the Department of Home Affairs website before payment.

When do I need to pay the Australia embassy fees for student visa?

Fees must be paid upfront during initial application submission through the ImmiAccount portal for your student visa process. If payment is not completed at the time of submission, your visa application will not be processed. Applicants should have payment details ready before logging into ImmiAccount to ensure a seamless submission.

What documents are required for the Australia student visa application?

You’ll need a valid passport, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider, proof of sufficient funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), academic transcripts, English proficiency results, and a statement of Genuine Temporary Entrant. Making sure each document meets Australian government standards, missing or incomplete paperwork is a leading cause of application delays. Upload clear copies through ImmiAccount, and double-check requirements before submission for smooth processing.

How long does it take to get an Australia student visa?

Most applications are processed within 4–8 weeks, though the timeline varies depending on personal circumstances and document completeness. Peak application periods may extend processing time, so early submission is recommended for July and February intakes. Applying with the correct documents and following instructions carefully will help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Can family members be included on my student visa?

Yes, immediate family members (like spouse/partner and children) can be added to your application, but you must show proof of adequate financial resources for their support. Dependents are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight while the primary applicant studies; unlimited hours are permitted for research and doctoral students. You’ll need to pay additional visa fees for each dependent and submit their documents and details within your application.

What health insurance is needed for a student visa in Australia?

All student visa holders must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their stay. OSHC ensures you can access medical services and hospital care in Australia if needed. It's different from travel insurance and can be arranged with approved providers in advance. Students must attach proof of OSHC during application; failure to do so results in automatic rejection.

What happens if my student visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, Australia embassy fees are not refunded, but you may have the option to appeal or reapply. Authorities will notify you about refusal reasons, which typically include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or not meeting Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements. Learn from the feedback provided, gather stronger evidence, and prepare a more comprehensive file before submitting again.