Australia Increases Most Visa Fees by About 25 Percent on July 1 and Caps International Student Places

The Australian federal government increased most visa application charges by approximately 25 percent on July 1, 2026. The resident return visa fee rose from $490 to $1,475, while the bridging visa B fee increased from $190 to $575. The skilled independent visa rose from $4,910 to $6,140 and the partner visa from $9,365 to $11,710.

The temporary graduate visa (485) fee had already doubled from $2,300 to $4,600 on March 1 before rising again to $5,750 on July 1. The student visa application charge increased from $2,000 to $2,500 on July 1, following a 2024 increase from $710 to $1,600. International student visa fees in Australia are now more than triple those in the UK, US, New Zealand and Canada.

The federal government will cap international student places at 295,000 in 2027, 8 percent below the immediate post-Covid peak. Australia and New Zealand remain the only western nations where a permanent resident’s right to re-enter expires after one year abroad; the equivalent renewal in New Zealand costs A$290.

The average visa cost for skilled workers in Australia exceeds double the UK level and ten times the US level.

Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that a visa to live, work or study in Australia “is underpriced at any cost” and remains a “small fraction” of average international student tuition fees. Education Minister Jason Clare said international education is an important export industry that must be managed sustainably to support students, universities and the national interest.

The International Students Representative Council of Australia advised prospective students to consider other destinations.