Understanding the Cost of the Australian Student Visa
Australia has emerged as a popular destination for international students seeking quality education and a vibrant cultural experience. However, one of the primary considerations for prospective students is the cost associated with obtaining an Australian student visa. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses involved in acquiring a student visa, helping students plan their finances effectively.
Initial Visa Application Fee
The most significant upfront cost is the visa application fee, which is subject to change. The current student visa application fee starts at AUD$2000. It is important to note that this fee applies to the primary applicant, and there will be a fee for each additional dependent listed on your visa.
The Labor government is fulfilling its pre-election pledge to hike visa fees. Effective July 1, the Australian government has increased the student visa application fee to AUD$2,000. “In line with the government’s election commitment, from 1 July 2025, the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for primary student visas applicants will be increased from $1,600 to $2,000,” a Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed to The PIE.
It is essential to stay updated on the latest fee structure, as the cost of visas changes from time to time and is dependent on the date the application is received. If there is a price increase between the date of submission and the date the application is received, the new application fee applies.
Additional Costs
Besides the primary visa application fee, applicants should also be prepared for other potential expenses:
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Australian Student Visas
Health Checks: You may be required to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. However, United States citizens who have not spent more than three consecutive months in the last five years in another country that has a higher risk level are not generally required to undergo health examinations. Any exceptions will be communicated by the online system or your case officer once the online application is submitted.
Police Certificates: You might be required to provide a penal clearance for any country you have lived in for 12 months, or longer, in the last ten years, since reaching 16 years of age. If you have served in the armed forces of any country, you might be required to provide certified copies of military service records or discharge papers. Charges for obtaining police checks vary in each country.
Biometrics: You might also have to pay other costs for biometrics.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Evidence that you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your visa. OSHC is facilitated on your behalf by your host institution in Australia and the cost is included in the API program. Evidence of OSHC will be provided in the Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) certificate you will receive from your host institution.
Documents Required
To complete an application you might be required to attach supporting documentation. To ensure a smooth application process, gather all necessary documents. Incomplete applications may be delayed or, in some cases, refused. Some of the essential documents include:
Read also: Guide to Fees for International Students
- Passport: Before you apply for this visa, you must have applied for and been accepted to study full- time at an educational institution in Australia and hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time you submit the visa application.
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE): You must also have received a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), which will be issued by your host institution in Australia and shared with you by API.
- Evidence of Identity: Evidence of your identity. This may be documented by providing a certified copy of your birth certificate, passport copy or driver’s license, for example.
- Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: Evidence to show that you meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement for a student visa. Applicants will be asked a series of 4 questions within their visa application pertaining to their current circumstances, reason for studying abroad in Australia, how studying abroad will benefit the applicant, and other relevant information.
- Employment Records: Evidence of current or most recent employment which might include pay slips or a contract. You can also attach your most recent curriculum vitae or résumé.
- Academic Transcripts: This might include a certified copy of your academic transcripts, a certified copy of any educational certificates (i.e.
- Relationship Evidence: Evidence of the relationship between you and your family (i.e. If you are living in a de facto relationship, independent evidence that you have been in the relationship for at least 12 months (i.e.
Application Process and Timing
It is important that you begin the process of applying for your student visa right away. Apply for your visa at least 8 weeks before your course starts. Visa application fee payable to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) by credit card, debit card, bank check, or money order. Application processing times vary and the time it takes to finalize an application is affected by a range of factors. Most applications will take about four weeks to process.
Visa Conditions and Staying Compliant
A student visa will allow you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course. You must also uphold your visa conditions while studying and living in Australia or your visa may be canceled and you may have to leave the country. This visa will allow you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You cannot undertake work until you have started your course in Australia. If you are doing voluntary or unpaid work it is included in the limit of 48 hours per fortnight.
Resources and Support
For those who have questions about Australian student visas can phone the Global Service Centre in Australia at +61 2 6196 0196 (international call cost will apply). As always, we will work closely with students to guide them through the visa application process. If there are any questions or concerns about students managing this increased out-of-pocket cost, please let us know.
Impact of Visa Costs on Education
The ELICOS sector has been particularly affected by the visa fee increases, with stakeholders noting that students looking to enrol in shorter courses are less willing to pay the higher costs. As a result of the 2024 visa fee hike, ELICOS providers experienced a 50% decline in English language enrolments across the board.
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