Verified 2026 visa fees & living costs
All figures sourced directly from official immigration authorities Β· April 2026
Live 2026 data
UK Home Office β gov.uk
US State Dept β travel.state.gov
IRCC β canada.ca
AU Dept of Home Affairs
01 UK Student Visa 2026: Fee Rises to Β£558 from 8 April β Complete Official Breakdown
United Kingdom
Source: gov.uk - UKCISA - Home Office
Fee updated 8 Apr 2026
The UK Home Office confirmed a 6.5% rise in visa fees effective 8 April 2026. The Student Visa application fee increases to Β£558 per applicant. Here is the official 2026 cost breakdown for Indian students.
β Official update β 8 April 2026: Student Visa fee increases from Β£524 β Β£558 per applicant.
Applications submitted before 8 April 2026 still use Β£524.
The date your application is received determines which fee applies.
Source: UK Home Office immigration and nationality fees schedule,
published 18 March 2026
UK Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa application fee (outside UK) |
Β£558 β² from Β£524
(pre-8 Apr 2026)
|
Source: gov.uk Student Visa page, updated 8 Apr 2026 |
| Student Visa β extend or switch (inside UK) | Β£558 | Same rate applies for in-country applications |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) β students | Β£776 / year | Unchanged in April 2026 round. Paid upfront for full course duration. |
| IHS example β 3-year degree | Β£2,328 total | Β£776 Γ 3 years, paid at time of application |
| IHS example β 1-year Master's | Β£776 total | Covers entire course duration |
| Priority processing (optional) | Β£500 extra | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority processing (optional) | Β£1,000 extra | Decision next working day |
| Graduate Route visa (post-study work) | Β£937 β² from Β£822 | Fee increased from 8 Apr 2026 |
| CAS fee (paid by university, not student) | Β£55 | Unchanged in April 2026 round |
Maintenance (proof of funds) requirement 2026
You must show accessible funds to cover the full duration of your course:
Outside London: Β£1,023 per month (up to 9 months = Β£9,207 minimum)
In London: Β£1,334 per month (up to 9 months = Β£12,006 minimum)
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days prior to application
Total estimated cost for a typical Indian student (3-year degree, outside London)
Visa fee: Β£558 (~βΉ59,700 at βΉ107/Β£)
IHS for 3 years: Β£2,328 (~βΉ2,49,100)
Total government fees alone: ~Β£2,886 (~βΉ3,09,000)
Post-study work β Graduate Route 2026
The Graduate Route allows you to stay and work in the UK after completing your degree β 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's (if applying on or before 31 Dec 2026), 3 years for PhD. The fee is now Β£937.
Official sources: gov.uk/student-visa (updated live) Β· UKCISA fee notice (Apr 2026) Β· UK Home Office fee schedule published 18 March 2026, effective 8 April 2026 Β· IHS confirmation: Fragomen, Leapscholar, Cambridge University international students page
β APSA handles your full UK Student Visa β from CAS to submission. Book a free consultation today.
02 πΊπΈ USA F-1 Student Visa 2026: $185 DS-160 + $350 SEVIS β Official Fee Breakdown
United States
Source: travel.state.gov Β· ice.gov / SEVP Β· fmjfee.com
As of April 2026, the mandatory government fees for a US F-1 student visa remain $535 total β confirmed by the US Department of State and ICE SEVP. Here is every fee, in the correct payment order.
β 2026 US visa environment update: F-1 visa issuance is under tighter scrutiny.
Social media handles are now mandatory on DS-160. Some sources report a new $250
Visa Integrity Fee proposed under 2026 legislation β however this has NOT been confirmed
on travel.state.gov as of April 2026. APSA recommends checking travel.state.gov on the
day of payment for any updates.
USA Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority / Where to pay |
|---|---|---|
| DS-160 MRV Visa Application Fee | $185 | US Department of State β travel.state.gov. Confirmed as of Feb 2026. |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee (F-1 students) | $350 | US ICE / DHS β fmjfee.com. Confirmed as of Feb 2026. |
| Total mandatory government fees | $535 | Both required before visa interview. No change from 2025. |
| Change of status (I-539, if in USA) | $420 online / $470 paper | USCIS β for those already in USA switching to F-1 |
| Premium processing (change of status) | $1,965 β² updated Mar 2026 | USCIS β optional, 30 business day processing |
| Reciprocity fee β India | $0 | India is currently exempt from reciprocity fees |
Payment order β step by step
Step 1 β Receive Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved US university
Step 2 β Pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) at fmjfee.com using SEVIS ID from I-20. Allow 3β5 business days to process before interview.
Step 3 β Complete DS-160 form online (ceac.state.gov) and pay $185 MRV fee. Include all social media handles β mandatory from 2026.
Step 4 β Schedule visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata). Bring I-20, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, passport, and financial documents.
Financial proof (I-20 cost of attendance)
There is no single government-mandated minimum for living costs in the USA β instead, each university publishes its own Cost of Attendance (CoA) on your I-20. You must demonstrate funds covering the full amount listed. Typical CoA for Indian students in 2026 ranges from $35,000β$80,000/year (tuition + living combined) depending on the university and city.
2026 visa environment β what has changed
All DS-160 applicants must now list all social media accounts and usernames
Consular interviews are shorter (often under 2 minutes) but stricter on funding credibility
Apply at least 3 months before course start β interview appointment wait times have increased
F-1 visa issuance to Indian students declined 6.9% per latest SEVIS data
Official sources: US Department of State (travel.state.gov/student-visa) Β· ICE SEVP (ice.gov/sevis) Β· DHS Study in the States (studyinthestates.dhs.gov) Β· Fees verified February 2026 by Manifest Law (US immigration attorneys)
β APSA prepares your complete F-1 package β DS-160, SEVIS payment guidance, financial docs, and interview coaching.
03 π¨π¦ Canada Study Permit 2026: CAD $150 Fee + CAD $22,895 Living Requirement β Official IRCC Figures
Canada
Source: canada.ca/IRCC Β· Fragomen Β· CIC News
Living cost updated Sep 2025 β current for 2026
Canada's study permit application fee remains CAD $150 for 2026. The minimum living cost proof requirement β updated by IRCC on 1 September 2025 β is CAD $22,895 for a single student and remains in effect for all 2026 applications.
β IRCC official update effective 1 September 2025 (applies to all 2026 applications):
Minimum proof-of-funds requirement for a single student increased to CAD $22,895 β confirmed on canada.ca
(last updated January 2026). This does NOT include tuition or travel costs.
Source: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
Canda Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit application fee | CAD $150 | IRCC β paid online via GCKey or IRCC secure account. Unchanged in 2026. |
| Biometrics fee | CAD $85 | IRCC β fingerprints + photo at a VAC. Valid for 10 years. |
| Total visa fees | CAD $235 (~βΉ14,600) | Confirmed by IRCC and internationalstudent.com (2026) |
| Proof of living funds β 1 student |
CAD $22,895 β² from $20,635
(pre-Sep 2025)
|
Source: canada.ca official financial support page, updated Jan 2026. Excludes tuition + travel. |
| Proof of living funds β student + 1 family member | CAD $28,560 approx. | Increases per additional dependent. See canada.ca table for exact figures. |
| Proof of living funds β student + 2 family members | CAD $35,040 | Confirmed on canada.ca financial support page (Jan 2026 update) |
| Medical exam (India mandatory) | CAD $100β$300 | Required for Indian applicants β panel physician fee varies |
GIC β the preferred proof of funds for 2026
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $22,895 purchased from a Canadian bank (Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, etc.) is IRCC's preferred proof of funds. The money is released to you in monthly installments after arrival (~CAD $1,900/month). It is not a fee β you get it back.
What changed for 2026 β PR fees also increasing
Study permit fee: CAD $150 β unchanged
Living funds threshold: CAD $22,895 β set from 1 Sep 2025, applies to all 2026 applications
PR application fees: increasing from 30 April 2026 (Right of PR rises to CAD $600)
Express Entry fees rising from April 2026 β factor this into long-term budget planning
Processing time 2026
Average online processing: 8β12 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your intended intake. APSA tracks your IRCC application status in real time and follows up with the visa office on your behalf.
Official sources: canada.ca/IRCC financial support page (last updated Jan 2026) Β· CIC News announcement 2 June 2025 Β· Fragomen (confirmed effective 1 Sep 2025) Β· internationalstudent.com 2026 Canada visa fee guide Β· IRCC fee changes page (ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fee-changes.asp)
β APSA's Canada visa team prepares your GIC documentation, study permit application, and financial proof package.
04 π¦πΊ Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) 2026: AUD $2,000 Fee + AUD $29,710 Living Requirement
Australia
Source: homeaffairs.gov.au Β· studyaustralia.gov.au
Fee updated 1 Jul 2025 β current for 2026
Australia's Subclass 500 student visa now costs AUD $2,000 β the most expensive student visa fee in the world. The living cost proof requirement is AUD $29,710/year. Here are all the official 2026 figures.
β Official updates for 2026 intake: (1) Subclass 500 fee = AUD $2,000, effective 1 July 2025 β confirmed by studyaustralia.gov.au. (2) Post-study Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) fee doubled to AUD $4,600 on 1 March 2026 β source: ICEF Monitor / Dept of Home Affairs. (3) OSHC premiums rising +4.4% in April 2026.
Australia Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) β primary applicant |
AUD $2,000 (~βΉ1,10,000)
β² from $1,600
(pre-Jul 2025)
|
Source: studyaustralia.gov.au official page, effective 1 July 2025. Applies to all 2026 applications. |
| Spouse/partner (secondary applicant) | AUD ~$500 | Additional charge per dependent β check homeaffairs.gov.au for exact current amount |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD $700β$1,050/year β² +4.4% from Apr 2026 | Mandatory β purchase from approved Australian insurer before lodging application |
| Proof of living funds β single student | AUD $29,710 / year | Source: Dept of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). Updated 2024, current for 2026. Excludes tuition and travel. |
| Travel costs (to add to funds proof) | AUD $2,000β$2,500 | Return airfare estimate β must be added to total funds demonstrated |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) |
AUD $4,600
β² doubled from $2,300
(on 1 Mar 2026)
|
Source: ICEF Monitor, 4 March 2026 β Dept of Home Affairs announcement |
| Dependent (partner) on 485 visa | AUD $2,300 | Source: ICEF Monitor 2026 β effective 1 March 2026 |
New for 2026: Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Your GS statement must explain: why you chose this specific course and university, how it fits your career plan, and why you chose Australia. This is now one of the most heavily scrutinised parts of the application.
National Planning Level (NPL) β 295,000 student cap
Australia capped international student commencements at 295,000 places for 2026. Each university has an individual quota. Securing your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) early is critical β spots fill up at top-tier institutions.
Total funds to demonstrate β example calculation
Living expenses: AUD $29,710
First year tuition (typical): AUD $30,000β$45,000
Travel: AUD $2,500
Total to show: approximately AUD $62,000β$77,000 in verifiable funds
Official sources: studyaustralia.gov.au student visa page (VAC increase confirmed) Β· homeaffairs.gov.au (AUD $29,710 living cost) Β· ICEF Monitor (Subclass 485 fee doubling, 4 March 2026) Β· AECC Global (2026 Subclass 500 guide)
β APSA's Australia visa team maintains a top approval record on Subclass 500 applications β contact us before intake fills up.
05 Study Abroad Visa Cost Comparison 2026: UK vs USA vs Canada vs Australia β Verified Official Figures
All destinations
Multiple official sources β April 2026
Planning your 2026 study abroad budget? Here is the most current official visa fee and living cost comparison across all four major destinations β every figure verified from the relevant immigration authority.
Planning your 2026 study abroad budget? Here is the most current official visa fee and living cost comparison across all four major destinations β every figure verified from the relevant immigration authority.
| Country | Visa application fee | Min. living funds required | Mandatory health cover | Post-study work visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| π¬π§ UK | Β£558 (~βΉ59,700) β² from 8 Apr 2026 |
Β£9,207/year outside London Β£12,006/year in London (Β£1,023βΒ£1,334/month) |
IHS: Β£776/year (mandatory, paid upfront) 3-yr degree = Β£2,328 total |
Graduate Route: 2 yrs (UG/PG) Β· 3 yrs (PhD) Fee: Β£937 from Apr 2026 |
| πΊπΈ USA |
$535 total (~βΉ44,400) $185 DS-160 + $350 SEVIS |
Varies by university CoA β typically $15,000β$25,000/year just for living costs (listed on I-20) | University health insurance: $500β$3,000/year (mandatory) |
OPT: 12 months STEM OPT extension: +24 months |
| π¨π¦ Canada |
CAD $235 (~βΉ14,600) $150 permit + $85 biometrics |
CAD $22,895/year β² from Sep 2025 β current for all 2026 applications |
Varies by province β UHIP in Ontario (~CAD $756/year), some provinces covered |
PGWP: up to 3 years PR via Express Entry (PR fees rising Apr 2026) |
| π¦πΊ Australia | AUD $2,000 (~βΉ1,10,000) β² most expensive globally |
AUD $29,710/year + AUD $2,000β2,500 travel + tuition |
OSHC: AUD $700β$1,050/year (mandatory before lodging) +4.4% from Apr 2026 |
Subclass 485: 18 monthsβ3 years Fee now AUD $4,600 β² doubled Mar 2026 |
2026 key takeaways for Indian students
Cheapest visa to apply for: Canada at CAD $235 total government fees
Most expensive visa fee: Australia at AUD $2,000 β highest student visa fee in the world (ICEF Monitor)
Best post-study PR pathway: Canada β PGWP + Express Entry leads to PR in 3β5 years
Latest fee change: UK raised student visa from Β£524 β Β£558 on 8 April 2026
Most expensive post-study work visa: Australia Subclass 485 now AUD $4,600 (doubled from 1 March 2026)
Official sources for this comparison: UK Home Office (gov.uk, 8 Apr 2026) Β· US State Dept (travel.state.gov, Feb 2026) Β· ICE SEVP (ice.gov) Β· IRCC Canada (canada.ca, Jan 2026) Β· Australian Dept of Home Affairs via studyaustralia.gov.au (Jul 2025) Β· ICEF Monitor Australia Subclass 485 fee update (4 Mar 2026)
β Book a free consultation with APSA to find the right destination based on your budget, course, and PR goals.
01 UK Student Visa 2026: Fee Rises to Β£558 from 8 April β Complete Official Breakdown
United Kingdom
Source: gov.uk - UKCISA - Home Office
Fee updated 8 Apr 2026
The UK Home Office confirmed a 6.5% rise in visa fees effective 8 April 2026. The Student Visa application fee increases to Β£558 per applicant. Here is the official 2026 cost breakdown for Indian students.
β Official update β 8 April 2026: Student Visa fee increases from Β£524 β Β£558 per applicant.
Applications submitted before 8 April 2026 still use Β£524.
The date your application is received determines which fee applies.
Source: UK Home Office immigration and nationality fees schedule,
published 18 March 2026
UK Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa application fee (outside UK) |
Β£558 β² from Β£524
(pre-8 Apr 2026)
|
Source: gov.uk Student Visa page, updated 8 Apr 2026 |
| Student Visa β extend or switch (inside UK) | Β£558 | Same rate applies for in-country applications |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) β students | Β£776 / year | Unchanged in April 2026 round. Paid upfront for full course duration. |
| IHS example β 3-year degree | Β£2,328 total | Β£776 Γ 3 years, paid at time of application |
| IHS example β 1-year Master's | Β£776 total | Covers entire course duration |
| Priority processing (optional) | Β£500 extra | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority processing (optional) | Β£1,000 extra | Decision next working day |
| Graduate Route visa (post-study work) | Β£937 β² from Β£822 | Fee increased from 8 Apr 2026 |
| CAS fee (paid by university, not student) | Β£55 | Unchanged in April 2026 round |
Maintenance (proof of funds) requirement 2026
You must show accessible funds to cover the full duration of your course:
Outside London: Β£1,023 per month (up to 9 months = Β£9,207 minimum)
In London: Β£1,334 per month (up to 9 months = Β£12,006 minimum)
Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days prior to application
Total estimated cost for a typical Indian student (3-year degree, outside London)
Visa fee: Β£558 (~βΉ59,700 at βΉ107/Β£)
IHS for 3 years: Β£2,328 (~βΉ2,49,100)
Total government fees alone: ~Β£2,886 (~βΉ3,09,000)
Post-study work β Graduate Route 2026
The Graduate Route allows you to stay and work in the UK after completing your degree β 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's (if applying on or before 31 Dec 2026), 3 years for PhD. The fee is now Β£937.
Official sources: gov.uk/student-visa (updated live) Β· UKCISA fee notice (Apr 2026) Β· UK Home Office fee schedule published 18 March 2026, effective 8 April 2026 Β· IHS confirmation: Fragomen, Leapscholar, Cambridge University international students page
β APSA handles your full UK Student Visa β from CAS to submission. Book a free consultation today.
02 πΊπΈ USA F-1 Student Visa 2026: $185 DS-160 + $350 SEVIS β Official Fee Breakdown
United States
Source: travel.state.gov Β· ice.gov / SEVP Β· fmjfee.com
As of April 2026, the mandatory government fees for a US F-1 student visa remain $535 total β confirmed by the US Department of State and ICE SEVP. Here is every fee, in the correct payment order.
β 2026 US visa environment update: F-1 visa issuance is under tighter scrutiny.
Social media handles are now mandatory on DS-160. Some sources report a new $250
Visa Integrity Fee proposed under 2026 legislation β however this has NOT been confirmed
on travel.state.gov as of April 2026. APSA recommends checking travel.state.gov on the
day of payment for any updates.
USA Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority / Where to pay |
|---|---|---|
| DS-160 MRV Visa Application Fee | $185 | US Department of State β travel.state.gov. Confirmed as of Feb 2026. |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee (F-1 students) | $350 | US ICE / DHS β fmjfee.com. Confirmed as of Feb 2026. |
| Total mandatory government fees | $535 | Both required before visa interview. No change from 2025. |
| Change of status (I-539, if in USA) | $420 online / $470 paper | USCIS β for those already in USA switching to F-1 |
| Premium processing (change of status) | $1,965 β² updated Mar 2026 | USCIS β optional, 30 business day processing |
| Reciprocity fee β India | $0 | India is currently exempt from reciprocity fees |
Payment order β step by step
Step 1 β Receive Form I-20 from your SEVP-approved US university
Step 2 β Pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) at fmjfee.com using SEVIS ID from I-20. Allow 3β5 business days to process before interview.
Step 3 β Complete DS-160 form online (ceac.state.gov) and pay $185 MRV fee. Include all social media handles β mandatory from 2026.
Step 4 β Schedule visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata). Bring I-20, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, passport, and financial documents.
Financial proof (I-20 cost of attendance)
There is no single government-mandated minimum for living costs in the USA β instead, each university publishes its own Cost of Attendance (CoA) on your I-20. You must demonstrate funds covering the full amount listed. Typical CoA for Indian students in 2026 ranges from $35,000β$80,000/year (tuition + living combined) depending on the university and city.
2026 visa environment β what has changed
All DS-160 applicants must now list all social media accounts and usernames
Consular interviews are shorter (often under 2 minutes) but stricter on funding credibility
Apply at least 3 months before course start β interview appointment wait times have increased
F-1 visa issuance to Indian students declined 6.9% per latest SEVIS data
Official sources: US Department of State (travel.state.gov/student-visa) Β· ICE SEVP (ice.gov/sevis) Β· DHS Study in the States (studyinthestates.dhs.gov) Β· Fees verified February 2026 by Manifest Law (US immigration attorneys)
β APSA prepares your complete F-1 package β DS-160, SEVIS payment guidance, financial docs, and interview coaching.
03 π¨π¦ Canada Study Permit 2026: CAD $150 Fee + CAD $22,895 Living Requirement β Official IRCC Figures
Canada
Source: canada.ca/IRCC Β· Fragomen Β· CIC News
Living cost updated Sep 2025 β current for 2026
Canada's study permit application fee remains CAD $150 for 2026. The minimum living cost proof requirement β updated by IRCC on 1 September 2025 β is CAD $22,895 for a single student and remains in effect for all 2026 applications.
β IRCC official update effective 1 September 2025 (applies to all 2026 applications):
Minimum proof-of-funds requirement for a single student increased to CAD $22,895 β confirmed on canada.ca
(last updated January 2026). This does NOT include tuition or travel costs.
Source: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
Canda Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit application fee | CAD $150 | IRCC β paid online via GCKey or IRCC secure account. Unchanged in 2026. |
| Biometrics fee | CAD $85 | IRCC β fingerprints + photo at a VAC. Valid for 10 years. |
| Total visa fees | CAD $235 (~βΉ14,600) | Confirmed by IRCC and internationalstudent.com (2026) |
| Proof of living funds β 1 student |
CAD $22,895 β² from $20,635
(pre-Sep 2025)
|
Source: canada.ca official financial support page, updated Jan 2026. Excludes tuition + travel. |
| Proof of living funds β student + 1 family member | CAD $28,560 approx. | Increases per additional dependent. See canada.ca table for exact figures. |
| Proof of living funds β student + 2 family members | CAD $35,040 | Confirmed on canada.ca financial support page (Jan 2026 update) |
| Medical exam (India mandatory) | CAD $100β$300 | Required for Indian applicants β panel physician fee varies |
GIC β the preferred proof of funds for 2026
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $22,895 purchased from a Canadian bank (Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, etc.) is IRCC's preferred proof of funds. The money is released to you in monthly installments after arrival (~CAD $1,900/month). It is not a fee β you get it back.
What changed for 2026 β PR fees also increasing
Study permit fee: CAD $150 β unchanged
Living funds threshold: CAD $22,895 β set from 1 Sep 2025, applies to all 2026 applications
PR application fees: increasing from 30 April 2026 (Right of PR rises to CAD $600)
Express Entry fees rising from April 2026 β factor this into long-term budget planning
Processing time 2026
Average online processing: 8β12 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your intended intake. APSA tracks your IRCC application status in real time and follows up with the visa office on your behalf.
Official sources: canada.ca/IRCC financial support page (last updated Jan 2026) Β· CIC News announcement 2 June 2025 Β· Fragomen (confirmed effective 1 Sep 2025) Β· internationalstudent.com 2026 Canada visa fee guide Β· IRCC fee changes page (ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fee-changes.asp)
β APSA's Canada visa team prepares your GIC documentation, study permit application, and financial proof package.
04 π¦πΊ Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) 2026: AUD $2,000 Fee + AUD $29,710 Living Requirement
Australia
Source: homeaffairs.gov.au Β· studyaustralia.gov.au
Fee updated 1 Jul 2025 β current for 2026
Australia's Subclass 500 student visa now costs AUD $2,000 β the most expensive student visa fee in the world. The living cost proof requirement is AUD $29,710/year. Here are all the official 2026 figures.
β Official updates for 2026 intake: (1) Subclass 500 fee = AUD $2,000, effective 1 July 2025 β confirmed by studyaustralia.gov.au. (2) Post-study Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) fee doubled to AUD $4,600 on 1 March 2026 β source: ICEF Monitor / Dept of Home Affairs. (3) OSHC premiums rising +4.4% in April 2026.
Canda Student Visa Fees 2026
Official breakdown (updated April 2026)| Fee component | Amount β 2026 | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Subclass 500) β primary applicant |
AUD $2,000 (~βΉ1,10,000)
β² from $1,600
(pre-Jul 2025)
|
Source: studyaustralia.gov.au official page, effective 1 July 2025. Applies to all 2026 applications. |
| Spouse/partner (secondary applicant) | AUD ~$500 | Additional charge per dependent β check homeaffairs.gov.au for exact current amount |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD $700β$1,050/year β² +4.4% from Apr 2026 | Mandatory β purchase from approved Australian insurer before lodging application |
| Proof of living funds β single student | AUD $29,710 / year | Source: Dept of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). Updated 2024, current for 2026. Excludes tuition and travel. |
| Travel costs (to add to funds proof) | AUD $2,000β$2,500 | Return airfare estimate β must be added to total funds demonstrated |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) |
AUD $4,600
β² doubled from $2,300
(on 1 Mar 2026)
|
Source: ICEF Monitor, 4 March 2026 β Dept of Home Affairs announcement |
| Dependent (partner) on 485 visa | AUD $2,300 | Source: ICEF Monitor 2026 β effective 1 March 2026 |
New for 2026: Genuine Student (GS) requirement
The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test has been replaced by the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Your GS statement must explain: why you chose this specific course and university, how it fits your career plan, and why you chose Australia. This is now one of the most heavily scrutinised parts of the application.
National Planning Level (NPL) β 295,000 student cap
Australia capped international student commencements at 295,000 places for 2026. Each university has an individual quota. Securing your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) early is critical β spots fill up at top-tier institutions.
Total funds to demonstrate β example calculation
Living expenses: AUD $29,710
First year tuition (typical): AUD $30,000β$45,000
Travel: AUD $2,500
Total to show: approximately AUD $62,000β$77,000 in verifiable funds
Official sources: studyaustralia.gov.au student visa page (VAC increase confirmed) Β· homeaffairs.gov.au (AUD $29,710 living cost) Β· ICEF Monitor (Subclass 485 fee doubling, 4 March 2026) Β· AECC Global (2026 Subclass 500 guide)
β APSA's Australia visa team maintains a top approval record on Subclass 500 applications β contact us before intake fills up.
Contact APSA Today:
π Address: Ground Floor, NM 1, Old DLF Colony, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
π Phone: 9899199979
π§ Email: info@apsa.in
π Website: www.apsa.in
Make your global dreams a realityβwith APSA.
