A brand new monetary 12 months has arrived, and with it the Australian Authorities’s annual replace to Visa Software Prices (VAC). From in the present day, 1 July 2026, most visa subclasses price extra to use for — and some student-related visas have risen nicely past the same old inflation adjustment.
The headline change
The Scholar visa (subclass 500) software cost has elevated from $2,000 to $2,500 for the first applicant. For the primary time, the Authorities has additionally launched a separate, decrease pricing tier for ELICOS (English language) and non-award programs, set at $2,050 — recognising the shorter, standalone nature of those applications.
Submit-study plans are additionally affected. The Momentary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — the visa many college students transfer to after ending their course — has risen once more, to roughly $5,750. That’s a major soar from $4,600, and it follows an earlier improve through the 12 months.
The larger image: prices are up throughout the board
Australian Visa Charges 2026 Updates
| Visa sort | Earlier than 1 Jul 2026 | From 1 Jul 2026 |
| Scholar visa (subclass 500) – commonplace | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Scholar visa (subclass 500) – ELICOS / non-award (new tier) | $2,000 | $2,050 |
| Scholar Guardian visa (subclass 590) | $2,000 | $2,050 |
| Momentary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | $4,600 | $5,750 |
| Customer visa (subclass 600) – Vacationer, offshore | $200 | $250 |
| Customer visa (subclass 600) – onshore | $500 | $500 (unchanged) |
| Bridging visa B (BVB) | $190 | $575 |
| Expertise in Demand (subclass 482) | $3,210 | $4,015 |
| Basic Expert Migration (189 / 190 / 491 / 494) | $4,910 | $6,135 |
| Employer Nomination / RSMS (186 / 187) | $4,910 | $6,140 |
| Companion visa (300 / 820-801 / 309-100) | $9,365 | $11,710 |
Figures proven are for the first applicant. Extra relations are charged individually, so a household software will price greater than the quantities above.
It’s not simply software charges
A couple of associated thresholds and charges additionally moved on 1 July 2026, which may matter for those who’re heading towards expert or employer-sponsored pathways, or contemplating a assessment of a call:
- The Core Expertise rose from $76,515 to $79,423 — related to sponsored work visas.
- Administrative Evaluation Tribunal (ART) charges elevated to $3,727 for evaluations of migration choices.
What this implies for you
- For those who’ve already lodged your software, these will increase don’t apply to you — the cost is about on the day you lodge.
- For those who’re about to use, price range for the brand new quantity, plus separate prices for any relations included in your software.
- Timing issues. The proper lodgement date, course sort and visa pathway could make an actual distinction to what you pay and your probabilities of success.
The most secure transfer is to examine your precise cost and pathway earlier than you lodge.
