Who Qualifies For Lower Australian Student Visa Fees in 2026?

Australia increased the Student visa application charge for most international students to AUD $2,500 from 1 July 2026.

But not everyone pays the same amount.

Some students continue to qualify for lower Student visa application fees depending on their passport, course or study type.

If you're planning to study in Australia, it's worth checking which student visa fees apply to you.

Don't let a costly mistake set you back.

Student visa application charges have increased for many applicants. A short conversation with an IDP counsellor now can help you choose the right study pathway, understand which visa fee applies to you and avoid unnecessary delays later.

From 1 July 2026, the standard Australian Student visa application fee increased to AUD $2,500. This applies to most international students applying for a Student visa.

The Student visa application charge is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. The amount you pay is based on the date you lodge your application, not when you start planning your studies or receive your offer.

Good to know

• The lower fee is based on the main applicant. If you're applying with your partner or children, different charges may apply for each additional applicant.

• The fee is based on when you apply. You'll pay the Student visa application charge that applies on the day you lodge your application.

• This is only the visa application charge. You'll also need to budget for tuition fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and any English language test fees.

• Some students may pay other visa-related charges. Depending on your circumstances or study pathway, additional charges may apply later in your application process.

You may qualify for a lower Australian Student visa application fee if you're an eligible ASEAN or Pacific Island passport holder, or if you're applying for an independent ELICOS, Non-Award or Student Exchange programme. The fee that applies depends on your individual circumstances, including your passport and the type of course you're studying.

Australia introduced lower Student visa application fees for some groups of international students as part of its broader education and regional engagement strategy.

For example, eligible passport holders from ASEAN, Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste continue to benefit from lower visa fees as Australia strengthens education partnerships across the region.

Students applying for independent ELICOS, Non-Award and Student Exchange programmes also pay lower fees, recognising the different nature and duration of these study pathways.

"A reduced visa fee rate for students from ASEAN nations reflects the importance Australia places on welcoming high-quality students from South-east Asia." - Australia's Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, The Straits Times.

The amount you pay for your Australian Student visa application charge depends on your individual circumstances.

The Australian Government considers factors such as:

• Your passport country

• The type of Student visa or study programme you're applying for

• When you lodge your visa application

• Whether you're applying from inside or outside Australia

• Whether you've previously held certain Australian visas

• Whether you're including family members in your application

If you're including your partner or children in your Student visa application, additional applicant charges apply. The amount depends on the Student visa fee category that applies to you.

Good to know: Student visa application charges can change and your final fee depends on your individual circumstances. Before you apply, use the Australian Government's Visa Pricing Estimatorto check the fees that apply to you. 

The Student visa fee changes don't affect every student in the same way.

If you qualify for a lower Student visa fee, you'll still enjoy the same benefits as other international students. This includes:

• Lower upfront visa application costs

• The same Australian Student visa

• The same opportunity to study at Australian education providers

• The same work rights available under your Student visa

• The same pathway to achieving your study goals in Australia

If you don't qualify for a lower fee, planning becomes even more important. Student visa application charges are generally non-refundable, so it's worth understanding your eligibility, preparing your documents carefully and making sure you've chosen the right study pathway before you apply.

Whether you're paying the standard Student visa fee or qualify for a lower rate, getting the right advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.

Who qualifies for lower Australian Student visa fees?

You may qualify for a lower Australian Student visa application fee if you're an eligible ASEAN, Pacific Island or Timor-Leste passport holder, or if you're applying for an independent ELICOS, Non-Award or Student Exchange programme. Your eligibility depends on your passport and the type of study you're undertaking.

How much is the Australian Student visa fee in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the standard Australian Student visa application charge is AUD $2,500. However, eligible students may qualify for lower fees, including AUD $2,050 for some applicants and AUD $745 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders.

Why do ASEAN students pay a lower Student visa fee?

Eligible ASEAN passport holders pay a lower Student visa application fee as part of Australia's efforts to strengthen education partnerships with South-East Asia. Australia's Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, said the reduced fee reflects the importance Australia places on welcoming high-quality students from the region.

Why do Pacific students pay AUD $745?

Eligible passport holders from participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste continue to pay an AUD $745 Student visa application charge. This supports Australia's long-term engagement with the Pacific and helps make Australian education more accessible for eligible students.

Do ELICOS students pay lower Student visa fees?

Yes, if you're applying for an independent ELICOS course, you'll pay a lower Student visa application charge of AUD $2,050. This recognises the shorter duration of independent English language programmes.

What is a Student Exchange applicant?

A Student Exchange applicant is an international student studying in Australia through an approved exchange programme between their home institution and an Australian education provider. Eligible Student Exchange applicants pay a lower Student visa application charge of AUD $2,050.

Does my passport affect my Student visa fee?

Yes. Your passport country is one of the factors that determines your Student visa application charge. Eligible ASEAN, Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders may qualify for lower Student visa fees.

Does the lower Student visa fee apply to family members?

The lower Student visa application charge applies to eligible primary applicants. If you include family members in your application, additional applicant charges apply. 

How do I check my Student visa application charge?

The easiest way is to use the Australian Government's Visa Pricing Estimator. It calculates your Student visa application charge based on factors such as your passport, visa type, where you're applying from and whether you're including family members.

Understanding Australian Student visa fees can be confusing, especially if different fees apply to your passport or study pathway.

Whether you're applying from ASEAN, the Pacific, or anywhere else in the world, an IDP counsellor can help you understand your eligibility, compare your study options and prepare your Student visa application with confidence.