Australia student visa (500) & 485 visa: 2026 fees and rules
What the Student visa and the Temporary Graduate visa cost, who can bring family under the new rules from 2 October 2026, and how long you can stay to work after graduating.
Australia's Student visa (subclass 500) costs from AUD 2,500 and lets you work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session. From 2 October 2026, new rules limit applying from inside Australia and including family members. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) costs from AUD 5,750 and usually allows 2 to 3 years of stay, if you are aged 35 or under.
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How much does the Australian Student visa cost, and what does it allow?
| Item | Student visa (subclass 500) |
|---|---|
| Visa cost | From AUD 2,500 |
| Stay | Up to 6 years, in line with your enrolment |
| Work | Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session |
| Health cover | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your whole stay |
| Where to apply | Online, from outside Australia (unless an exemption applies) |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, subclass 500 page (updated 22 October 2026).
You must also show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 and answer the Genuine Student questions about your circumstances, course choice and plans. See our Master's in Australia cost guide.
What changed for Australian student visas on 2 October 2026?
From 2 October 2026, new rules apply to Student visas (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visas (subclass 590). They change who can apply for and be granted a Student visa while in Australia, and whether family members can be included. The subclass 500 page now says applicants must not bring family members (partners and children) to Australia unless they are exempt.
- Planning to bring a spouse or child? Check the Home Affairs decision tree “Can I include family” before you accept an offer.
- Already in Australia on another visa? Check the decision tree “Can I apply in Australia”, because applying onshore is now restricted.
- Home Affairs advises students to understand the new rules before making visa, study, travel or relocation plans.
Which documents do I need for the Student visa?
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your course.
- Proof of English from an approved test. See Australia without IELTS.
- Genuine Student answers, with supporting evidence.
- Proof of financial capacity (at least AUD 29,710).
- OSHC for the full stay.
- Health examination and police certificate if asked.
Compare with other countries in our visa documents checklist.
What is the 485 visa, and who can get it?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work stream lets recent graduates of an Australian degree live, study and work in Australia.
| Item | 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream |
|---|---|
| Cost | From AUD 5,750 |
| Stay | Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification |
| Age | 35 or under when you apply (exceptions apply) |
| Where | You must be in Australia when you apply |
| Timing | You must have held a Student visa in the last 6 months |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream page (updated 12 October 2026).
- Your degree must be from a CRICOS-registered course.
- You need health insurance, an Australian Federal Police check application and proof of the required English level when you apply.
- Family members can be included on the 485.
- Compare it with other countries in our post-study work comparison.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 23 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Australia student visa fee for Indian students?
The Student visa (subclass 500) costs from AUD 2,500, according to the Department of Home Affairs.
How many hours can I work in Australia on a student visa?
Up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.
Can I take my spouse to Australia on a student visa?
From 2 October 2026, new rules limit including family members. The subclass 500 page says applicants must not bring family members unless they are exempt. Check the Home Affairs decision tree before you apply.
What is the 485 visa fee?
From AUD 5,750 for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream.
How long can I stay in Australia after my master's on a 485 visa?
Usually between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification, if you are aged 35 or under and meet the other conditions.
Does Abbacy help with Australian student visas?
Yes. We help you prepare the Genuine Student answers, check your financial documents and plan your CoE timeline, free of charge.
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