Are you planning to study in Australia? If so, it is important to be aware of the latest changes to Australia's Student Visa Application Charge (VAC).
The Australian Government has increased visa application charges from 1 July 2026, including the Student Visa Application Charge for international students. The primary Student Visa fee has increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, adding AUD 500 to the standard application cost.
This change is particularly important for Nepali students planning to pursue higher education in Australia, as the updated fee needs to be considered when preparing their study abroad budget.
Updated Australia Student Visa Fees from 1 July 2026
The revised Student Visa Application Charge is as follows:
| Particulars | Previous Fee | Updated Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Charge (Subclass 500) | AUD 2,000 | AUD 2,500 |
| Additional Cost | — | AUD 500 |
Effective Date: 1 July 2026
The new standard primary applicant charge represents a 25% increase compared with the previous fee.
What Does This Mean for Nepali Students?
Nepali students applying for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) should prepare for the increased visa application expense.
The standard Student Visa Application Charge for eligible applicants is now AUD 2,500. This means students will need to allocate an additional AUD 500 compared with the previous application fee.
The increase should be considered when calculating the overall cost of studying in Australia, including tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, travel costs, and other application-related expenses.
Are There Any Exceptions to the New Visa Fee?
Although the revised charges apply broadly across Australia's visa programme, certain concessions are available.
Some eligible applicants continue to benefit from concessional Student Visa charges, including:
- Primary Student Visa applicants holding passports from eligible ASEAN member countries.
- Eligible applicants holding passports from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
- Students applying for independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses.
Nepal is not included in the eligible passport-country concession lists. Therefore, Nepali students applying for standard higher education courses should generally expect to pay the revised AUD 2,500 primary applicant charge, subject to any applicable exemptions.
Important Things to Consider Before Applying
Before submitting your Australian Student Visa application, make sure you:
- Prepare sufficient funds to cover the updated visa application charge.
- Review your financial documents and overall study budget.
- Ensure your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is ready.
- Arrange the required Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Prepare all necessary academic, financial, and supporting documents.
- Check the latest Australian Department of Home Affairs visa requirements before lodging your application.
Please note that additional charges may apply for accompanying family members, health examinations, biometrics, and payment surcharges, where applicable.
Planning to Study in Australia?
Australia remains a popular destination for Nepali students seeking internationally recognised qualifications, quality education, and global career opportunities.
Understanding the latest visa fees and immigration requirements is an important step towards preparing a successful study abroad journey.
At RNC Nepal, we provide guidance and support throughout the Australian study application process, including university selection, admission applications, documentation, and student visa guidance.
If you are planning to study in Australia, contact our experienced counselling team for updated information and professional guidance.
Start your Australia study journey with RNC Nepal today!
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