Important news for Indian students planning to study in Australia: the fees for post-study work visas have doubled.
The Australian government has increased the application cost for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 (around ₹3 lakh).
This move has sparked criticism from students and education groups.
They argue that studying in Australia is already expensive, and the higher visa fees could make the country less attractive for international students.
Impact on Bringing Family
Students who want to bring family members along will also face higher costs.
The new visa fee is:
AUD 2,300 for a spouse or children aged 18 or over
AUD 1,150 for children under 18
These fees make Australia’s post-study work visa among the most expensive in English-speaking countries, compared to Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
Rising Costs of Studying in Australia
Studying in Australia is already costly. Key expenses include:
Student visa fee: AUD 2,000
Annual study costs: Around AUD 29,710
Health insurance premiums: Expected to rise by 4.4% in April 2026
The new work visa fee trend has been rising for several years, with the previous increase to AUD 2,300 happening just last July.
This visa allows graduates to work in Australia for 2 to 3 years, and it can be a step toward permanent residency (PR), but the higher fees may affect students’ plans.
