Australia Study Visa Fees: Tips, Apply, Requirements in 2026

Choosing courses to study in Australia is an exciting step to take; however, the requirement of finances can be daunting. The initial and most important step in preparing a successful application is to comprehend Australia study visa fees. In 2026, as Indian students move to an Australian campus, they must account for every pain point from primary application fees, health insurance and biometrics, while navigating these structural costs. 

What Is the Australia Study Visa Fee in 2026 for Indian Students?

Under the Subclass 500 stream, the Australia study visa fees for the main applicant are AUD 2,000 (~₹1.34 lakh), and they cannot be refunded.

• The cost jumped 181% over two years: AUD 710 (pre-July 2024) → AUD 1,600 (July 2024) → AUD 

• 2,000 (as of July 1, 2025), making Australia the world's most expensive student visa destination.

• Payments are accepted online, and cash via ImmiAccount – Mastercard, Visa and American Express are available

Australia Study Visa Fee Breakdown Table: AUD and INR (2026)

In calculating total australia study visa fees in INR, applicants should consider all their accompanying family dependents.

Pro Tip:  The AUD 2,000 visa fee is just the starting point. A student applying with a spouse and one child will pay AUD 3,625 in visa fees alone (~₹2.4 lakh) before a single rupee goes toward tuition.

Also Read: Australia Study Visa Fees: Tips, Apply, Requirements 

What Are the Total Costs of Studying in Australia Beyond the Visa Fee?

You want to focus only on the basic visa application fees, but that doesn't tell you the lion's share of the expenses you will actually need during your time of Australia study visa fees . We have compiled all the mandatory costs you need as a student and present you with a realistic first-year budget, from the cost of the Health Coverage to the University to the English Tests to the DHA's living safety belt.

What Is OSHC and How Much Does It Cost for Indian Students?

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an essential insurance cover that Indian students are required to have each month, and proof of this insurance coverage is required to obtain visa 500.

• Average Yearly Cost: Couples and family health coverage options are much higher, but for a single student, it costs between AUD 600 and AUD 750 per year (~₹40,200 to ₹50,250).

• You can only purchase policies from a limited number of approved providers (five government-regulated providers): Allianz Care, Bupa, Medibank, CBHS International, and nib.

• Inclusions vs. Exclusions: Standard doctors' visits, Emergency hospital stays and a few supply prescriptions are covered, but most policies exclude dental, physiotherapy, and optical cover – unless top-dollar extras.

• Most Australian universities are tied to a particular preferred OSHC provider and will apply this premium directly to your initial payment of the Letter of Offer invoice to simply the setup process.

Key Note: Purchase OSHC before lodging your visa application; the receipt is a mandatory upload in ImmiAccount. Compare providers on price; Allianz and Medibank typically offer the most competitive single-student rates

What Is the Post-Study Work Visa Fee in Australia for 2026?

The AUD 2300 ($3,100) fee for the primary applicant for subclass 485 (temporary Graduate visa) visa has now been doubled to AUD 4600 (~₹3.08 lakh) from 1st March 2026.  

• The additional cost for bringing family members along has increased, too: Travellers with dependents (those over the age of 18) pay an extra AUD 2,300 per family member, while children under 18 pay an extra AUD 1,160 per child.  

• Red Earth Migration

• New Stay Durations: Changes made to the post-study work stream include 2 years for successful completion of a Bachelor’s or Master's (by coursework); 3 years for a Master's (by research); and 4 years for PhD holders.

• The maximum age limit has been reduced significantly (to 35 years old or fewer at the time of lodging; an extremely narrow exception for Master's by Research and PhD (until age 50) has been maintained).

• This recent fee change means that Australia is on top of its op adversaries: Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) comes in at less than AUD 300, and the UK Graduate Route will hover around the AUD 1,600 mark, making the Australian Post-study experience the most expensive in the world. 

 As per TerraTern Expert: Factor the AUD 4,600 post-study visa fee into your total Australia study budget from Day 1. It's a cost most students don't discover until after graduation, and it's non-refundable, too.

What Are the Australia Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students in 2026?

The australia study requirements for indian students are

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is mandatory: From 1 January 2026, you must submit a  (of CoE from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution. Letters of Offer are no longer accepted for a valid student visa application. Factor this in when planning your Australia study visa fees and application timeline.

• Submit a Genuine Student (GS) statement: The GS requirement replaced the GTE in March 2024. Prepare a 150–300-word statement explaining your ties to India, course selection, career goals, and why studying in Australia supports your future plans.

• Meet the financial capacity requirement: Show evidence of at least AUD 29,710 for annual living expenses, plus first-year tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and return airfare to satisfy visa financial requirements.

• Prove English language proficiency: Most undergraduate applicants need an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or a PTE Academic score of at least 50, unless your institution specifies a higher requirement.

• Maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): OSHC is compulsory for the full duration of your stay in Australia and must remain active before and during your studies.

• Pass health and character checks: Complete the required medical examination with an approved panel physician and provide police clearance certificates where requested to meet Australia's health and character standards.

• Prepare for stricter Evidence Level 3 checks: From 8 January 2026, Indian applicants will be classified under Evidence Level 3, which means closer scrutiny of documents. Submit clean 3-month bank statements (6 months recommended), unexplained large cash deposits, and ensure all financial records.

What Is the Genuine Student (GS) Requirement and How Does It Affect Indian Applicants?

Your written statement should clearly explain your ties to India, reasons for choosing Australia and your course, expected career outcomes, and intention to return after studies. This is a key part of your Australia study visa fees application process.

• Evidence Level 3 means stricter assessment: Indian applicants should expect more detailed scrutiny of GS statements, supporting documents, and financial evidence to verify genuine study intentions.

• Focus on quality over length: A specific, well-supported 150–200-word statement is more effective than a vague 300-word response filled with generic claims.

• Support your claims with evidence: Mention family responsibilities, property ownership, current employment, admission to a relevant course, and realistic career opportunities in India after graduation.

• Avoid common mistakes: Don't copy sample GS statements, exaggerate future plans, provide inconsistent information, or ignore how your chosen course aligns with your academic and professional background.

Important Note: The GS statement is your single biggest lever for visa approval. Link your course to a specific career gap in Australia's job market (healthcare, IT, engineering) and show how you plan to return to India and apply those skills. Generic statements are the #1 reason for rejections.

How Much Financial Proof Do You Need for an Australia Study Visa from India?

Demonstrate funds covering AUD 29,710 for 12 months of living expenses, first-year tuition fees, OSHC, and return airfare when applying and budgeting for your Australia study visa fees.

• Typical master's applicant requirement: If your annual tuition is around AUD 30,000, expect to show approximately AUD 60,000–65,000 in total available funds.

• Submit accepted financial documents: Provide 6-month bank statements (recommended), fixed deposits, recognised education loan sanction letters, or sponsor financial documents with proof of relationship.

• Evidence Level 3 applicants should be extra careful: Although 3 months of bank statements may meet the minimum requirement, 6 months of consistent banking history offers stronger evidence.

• Avoid financial red flags: Do not make large unexplained lump-sum deposits, maintain a consistent transaction history, and ensure all financial documents are genuine.

 Expert Tip: Since India moved to Evidence Level 3, the DHA is specifically looking for funds with a clear 3–6 month history. A fresh FD created a month before your application will raise flags, start building your financial paper trail well in advance.

What Is the Australia Study Visa Process for Indian Students in 2026?

Choose a CRICOS-registered institution and obtain an offer letter before planning your Australia study visa fees and application.

1. Accept the offer and pay the required tuition deposit to secure your admission.

2. Receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which is mandatory for the Subclass 500 visa application.

3. Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from an approved provider for the full duration of your studies.

4. Prepare all required documents, including your eCoE, passport, financial proof, English test scores, Genuine Student (GS) statement, and health/character documents.

5. Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and complete the online application.

6. Lodge your Subclass 500 visa application, upload supporting documents, and pay the AUD 2,000 Australia study visa fees.

7. Complete biometrics and the medical examination, if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

8. Track your application through ImmiAccount and respond promptly to any additional document requests within the specified deadline.

9. Receive your visa decision (grant or refusal). Apply no earlier than 12 months before your course begins and ideally no later than 6 weeks before, although earlier submission is strongly recommended.

What Documents Are Required for the Australia Study Visa Application?

The documents required for australia study visa application are

• Identity and enrolment documents: Valid passport (minimum 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay), eCoE from a CRICOS-registered institution, and recent passport-size photographs. 

• Academic and English documents: Academic transcripts, degree certificates, marksheets, and approved English language test scores such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.

• Financial documents: Recent bank statements, fixed deposit receipts, recognised education loan sanction letters, or sponsor financial documents with relationship proof.

• Supporting documents: Genuine Student (GS) statement, OSHC policy certificate, health examination results (if required), and a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

• Evidence Level 3 reminder: Indian applicants should submit complete, high-quality documents, as incomplete or inconsistent applications are a leading cause of delays and refusals despite payment of Australia study visa fees.

Expert Advice: Self-attest every document and ensure consistency; if your name appears differently on your marksheet than on your passport, include an affidavit explaining the discrepancy. Small inconsistencies cause significant delays at Evidence Level 3.

How Long Does the Australia Study Visa Take to Process in 2026?

The australia study visa fees take to process 

Important Tip: Don't book non-refundable flights until you've received your visa grant. Given India's Level 3 status, build a 6-month buffer into your timeline, especially for January and July intakes.

How Do Australia Study Visa Fees Compare to Other Countries for Indian Students?

Australia's study visa fees are higher than those of most competitors, but the fees reflect strong demand and a structured post-study pathway. 

As per TerraTern Expert Shreya,  Cost alone shouldn't drive your country decision. Australia's 48-hours/fortnight work rights during studies and the Subclass 485 post-study visa offer some of the best earning and PR pathways for Indian students — the higher upfront visa fee is often offset within the first year of part-time work.

What Are the Work Rights and Post-Study Opportunities for Indian Students in Australia?

The work rights and post-study opportunities for indian students in australia are 

• Work while studying: On a Subclass 500 Student Visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, helping offset living expenses alongside your Australia study visa fees.

• Special work rights for research students: Master's by Research and PhD students can work unlimited hours once their thesis or research component commences, subject to current visa conditions.

• Post-study work visa (Subclass 485): After graduation, eligible students can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). The post-study work stream generally offers 2 years for bachelor's graduates and 3 years for Master's by Research and PhD graduates.

• Subclass 485 eligibility and cost: From 1 March 2026, the Subclass 485 visa application fee is AUD 4,600 (approximately ₹3.09 lakh), and applicants must generally be 35 years or younger at the time of application.

• Better prospects in priority fields: Graduates in healthcare, information technology (IT), engineering, and education benefit from stronger employment opportunities. These fields align with Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115) priority occupations, supporting faster visa processing and improving long-term pathways toward permanent residency.

Pro Tip: At an AUD 24.95/hour minimum wage, working 48 hours/fortnight earns approximately AUD 1,494/month (~₹1 lakh), enough to cover a significant portion of living costs in smaller Australian cities.

What Are the Common Reasons for Australia Study Visa Rejection for Indian Students?

The most common reasons for Australia study visa fees or Indian students include a weak Genuine Student (GS) statement, suspicious financial history, undisclosed previous visa refusals, and inconsistent documentation. Under India's Evidence Level 3 classification, these issues receive stricter scrutiny during assessment.

1. Weak Genuine Student (GS) Statement: Generic or copied GS statements that fail to explain your course choice, career goals, and ties to India are a leading reason for refusal, even after paying Australia study visa fees.

2. Financial Red Flags: Large unexplained deposits, insufficient banking history (less than 3 months), or inconsistent financial records raise concerns about the genuineness of your funding.

3. Inconsistent Documentation: Name mismatches, incorrect information, unexplained study gaps, or conflicting academic and employment records can result in visa refusal.

4. Non-Disclosure of Previous Visa Refusals: Failing to disclose prior visa refusals or cancellations constitutes misrepresentation and may result in automatic rejection.

5. Insufficient English Language Scores: Submitting English test results that do not meet the minimum requirements or using unrecognised test providers can make your application ineligible.

6. Late Visa Application: Applying too close to your course commencement leaves little time to address document requests or to handle processing delays, increasing the risk of refusal.

7. No Valid CoE Submission: From 1 January 2026, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is mandatory. Applications submitted with only a Letter of Offer are not accepted. These refusal grounds align with the Department of Home Affairs assessment criteria, with additional scrutiny for Evidence Level 3 applicants.

Key Note: Never leave "previous visa refusals" blank if you've been rejected before; non-disclosure of a previous refusal is treated as misrepresentation and results in automatic rejection. Disclose and explain.

2026 Industry Context

Present 5–7 current facts

• 1 July 2025: Australia study visa fees increased to AUD 2,000 for the Subclass 500 Student Visa.

• 8 January 2026: India was reclassified to Evidence Level 3, resulting in stricter financial and document verification.

• March 2024: The Genuine Student (GS) requirement officially replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for all student visa applicants.

• 2026: Australia's National Planning Level (NPL) for international students increased by 25,000 places, creating additional study opportunities.

• 1 March 2026: The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa application fee increased to AUD 4,600.

• 2026: The 35-year age limit for most Subclass 485 applicants continues to apply.

• June 2026 Status: Student visa holders remain limited to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. The proposed increase to 60 hours has not yet been legislated, so verify the latest rules before budgeting.

How to Reduce and Manage Australia Study Visa Costs as an Indian Student

Studying in cities such as Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart often means lower tuition and living costs, while also providing an additional 5 PR points for eligible graduates, helping offset Australia study visa fees.

• Select universities with bundled OSHC: Institutions offering Overseas Student Health Cover as part of the admission package simplify the process and may reduce overall costs.

• Use an RBI-recognised education loan: A sanctioned education loan strengthens your financial evidence without requiring you to liquidate family savings.

• Apply early: Early applications reduce the risk of peak-season processing delays, emergency expenses, and costly reapplications.

• Reduce living expenses: Regional cities generally have significantly lower accommodation and daily living costs than Sydney or Melbourne.

• Maximise permitted work rights: Working up to 48 hours per fortnight from your first semester can help cover approximately 40–60% of monthly living expenses in many regional locations.

• Apply for scholarships: Explore Australia Awards Scholarships and university-specific merit scholarships to reduce tuition costs and minimise your overall Australia study visa fees burden.

Important Tip: Choosing a regional university over Sydney or Melbourne can save AUD 5,000–12,000 in annual living costs and give you 5 extra points on the PR pathway, a double win that most cost guides don't emphasise.

Conclusion

Australia study visa fees are higher than many alternatives, but they fund strong student protections, health cover expectations, and a clear post-study pathway. For Indian students, the upfront cost can be offset by work rights during study, substantial Subclass 485 durations, and competitive PR prospects, especially in priority sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and education. Weigh fee vs. outcomes: if long-term migration or skilled employment matters, Australia often delivers better value. 

Contact TerraTern for more information on Australia Study Visa Fees. 

At TerraTern, we are committed to guiding international students with accurate, up-to-date information and practical tips to make your study abroad dreams a reality. We have more articles that can guide you through the Australia study visa process, too. Start planning today and take the first step toward your academic goals in Australia!