Introduction
Australia has long been a popular destination for international students looking for quality education, international exposure, and opportunities to gain professional work experience after graduation. For many students, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is an important part of their post-study career plans.
However, there is a significant development that prospective and current international students should understand.
In 2026, the Australian Government increased the Subclass 485 visa application fee twice. What previously cost AUD 2,300 increased to AUD 4,600 on 1 March 2026 and subsequently reached AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026.
For Indian students, this represents a substantial increase in the financial commitment required to remain in Australia after completing their studies.
Why has Australia increased the 485 visa fee twice? Who will be affected? Are there any lower-fee options? And does this development make Australia less attractive for international students?
Let’s examine the changes and understand what they mean for students planning their future in Australia.
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What Is Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), commonly known as the Australian Post-Study Work Visa, allows eligible international students who have completed their studies in Australia to live, work, and study temporarily in the country.
It provides graduates with an opportunity to gain Australian work experience, develop professional skills, and explore potential career opportunities.
The visa has different streams depending on the applicant’s educational qualifications and circumstances.
1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for eligible international graduates who have completed university-level qualifications, such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or doctoral qualifications.
The visa generally allows graduates to stay in Australia for two to three years, depending on their qualification and applicable rules.
2. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
This stream is intended for eligible graduates with associate degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications related to occupations Australia needs.
The stay period is generally up to 18 months.
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligible graduates who previously held a qualifying Temporary Graduate Visa and meet regional study and residence requirements may qualify for an additional period of stay.
Depending on their circumstances, this can provide another one or two years in Australia.
For many students, the 485 visa is an important consideration when choosing an Australian university and course.
Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase 2026: What Has Changed?
The biggest development in 2026 is that the Australian Government increased the main applicant’s Temporary Graduate Visa application fee twice within four months.
Here is the complete fee timeline:
| Effective Date | Main Applicant Fee |
| Before 1 March 2026 | AUD 2,300 |
| 1 March 2026 | AUD 4,600 |
| 1 July 2026 | AUD 5,750 |
The financial impact is significant.
- First increase: 100%.
- Second increase: 25%.
- Overall increase since February 2026: 150%.
This means the standard main applicant fee is now two and a half times its previous amount.
How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost in Indian Rupees?
The current application fee of AUD 5,750 translates to approximately ₹3.7–₹3.8 lakh, depending on the prevailing AUD-INR exchange rate.
The exact amount charged in Indian rupees may vary depending on the exchange rate and payment method.
It is also important to understand that AUD 5,750 is only the government application charge.
Other expenses may include:
- Health insurance.
- Medical examinations, if required.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Biometrics, if requested.
- Other documentation-related expenses.
Students applying with family members should also budget for additional visa application charges.
Why Did Australia Increase the 485 Visa Fee Twice?
The two increases took place for different policy reasons.
March 2026: Major Fee Increase
From 1 March 2026, the Australian Government doubled the main applicant’s Temporary Graduate Visa application charge from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600.
This represented a substantial increase for international graduates planning to remain in Australia after completing their education.
July 2026: Further Increase
From 1 July 2026, the fee increased again to AUD 5,750.
This second increase formed part of the annual visa application charge changes introduced by the Australian Government.
The broader policy objectives include supporting migration system administration, visa processing and cost recovery.
However, these changes have also raised concerns among education-sector representatives.
Some industry stakeholders believe that higher post-study visa costs could make Australia less competitive compared with other international education destinations, including Canada and the UK.
For students, the practical concern is straightforward: the financial commitment required to remain in Australia after graduation has increased considerably.
Who Is Affected by the Australia 485 Visa Fee Hike?
The increased application charge is particularly relevant to international students who intend to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa.
The following groups should pay attention.
International graduates: Students completing eligible Australian qualifications who intend to apply for their first 485 visa must account for the new AUD 5,750 fee.
Indian students: Those considering Australia for higher education should include post-study visa expenses in their overall financial planning.
Students applying with dependants: Applicants including a spouse or children must prepare for additional government application charges. The total cost will depend on the number and age of accompanying family members.
Students considering regional education: Graduates planning to study and live in eligible regional areas should understand the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream and its specific eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible for Australia’s 485 Visa in 2026?
Before focusing on the application fee, students should understand that completing an Australian qualification does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a Temporary Graduate Visa.
The general eligibility requirements include:
- Age: Applicants must generally be 35 years old or younger when applying. Certain exceptions apply, including specific provisions for eligible master’s research and doctoral graduates.
- Eligible qualification: Applicants must have completed a qualification that meets the requirements of their selected visa stream.
- Student visa history: Applicants must generally have held an Australian Student Visa within the previous six months.
- Australian study requirement: The qualification must satisfy the applicable Australian study requirements, including the required study duration.
- English language: Applicants must provide evidence of the required English language proficiency.
- Health insurance: Applicants must maintain adequate health insurance.
- Character requirements: Applicants must meet applicable character requirements and provide evidence of applying for an Australian Federal Police check where required.
Different streams have additional conditions. Therefore, students should check the requirements of their intended stream before applying.
Can You Get a Lower 485 Visa Application Fee?
Not every applicant necessarily pays the same amount.
There are limited concessional arrangements for eligible passport holders from specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.
Indian passport holders generally do not qualify for these concessions.
Another important distinction concerns the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream.
Eligible graduates may apply for this additional graduate visa after meeting the relevant regional study and residence requirements.
The current published application charge for this stream starts at AUD 2,265 for the main applicant.
However, this is not a discounted first 485 visa. Applicants must already hold an eligible Temporary Graduate Visa and satisfy the specific requirements for the second visa.
Students should check the applicable charges and eligibility conditions through Australia’s Department of Home Affairs before making any financial commitments.
What This Means for Students and Visa Applicants
The increased 485 visa fee does not automatically mean Australia is no longer a suitable study destination. However, it makes financial planning and course selection more important.
Here are five practical steps students should consider.
1. Calculate Your Complete Study Abroad Budget
Do not restrict your budget to tuition fees and living expenses. Include potential post-study visa charges, health insurance, and other related costs.
2. Research Your Course and Career Opportunities
Understand the employment opportunities associated with your chosen qualification. Consider industry demand, professional requirements, and realistic earning potential.
3. Evaluate Your Return on Investment
Compare your total education expenses with your potential career benefits. A higher visa fee does not automatically make a degree a poor investment.
4. Understand Your Post-Study Options
Research the Temporary Graduate Visa requirements before enrolling. Do not assume that completing an Australian qualification automatically guarantees a 485 visa.
5. Keep Yourself Updated
Australian immigration policies and application charges can change. Verify the latest requirements through official government sources before submitting an application.
Five Common Mistakes Australia-Bound Students Should Avoid
Students planning to study in Australia should avoid these common mistakes:
- Ignoring post-study expenses: Calculate potential 485 visa costs before committing to a university.
- Choosing a course based on trends: Select a course based on your academic background, interests, and career objectives.
- Ignoring return on investment: Research employment opportunities and realistic career outcomes.
- Leaving documentation until the last minute: Understand visa requirements and prepare the necessary documents early.
- Relying entirely on social media updates: Immigration rules change frequently. Verify important information through official government websites.
One additional point deserves attention: the applicable visa application charge depends on the date the Department of Home Affairs receives the application. If a fee increase occurs between submission and receipt, the new charge may apply.
Therefore, students should ensure their application is successfully submitted and received rather than relying only on the date they begin preparing it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Australia 485 visa fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the standard Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee for the main applicant is AUD 5,750.
2. When did Australia increase the 485 visa fee in 2026?
The first increase took effect on 1 March 2026, when the fee increased from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600. The second increase took effect on 1 July 2026, taking the fee to AUD 5,750.
3. How much is the Australia 485 visa fee in Indian rupees?
The AUD 5,750 application charge is equivalent to approximately ₹3.7–₹3.8 lakh, depending on the prevailing exchange rate.
4. Can I apply for an Australian 485 visa after completing my Master’s degree?
Yes. Eligible international students who complete a qualifying master’s degree at an Australian institution may apply through the Post-Higher Education Work Stream, subject to age, study, visa history and other eligibility requirements.
5. Do Indian students have to pay the full 485 visa application fee?
Generally, yes. Indian passport holders do not qualify for the specific fee concessions available to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders.
6. Is the Australia 485 visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
Visa application charges are generally non-refundable if an application is refused or withdrawn. Limited exceptions may apply under Australian immigration rules.
7. Can regional Australian graduates apply for a second 485 visa?
Certain graduates may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream if they satisfy the relevant regional study, residence and other eligibility requirements. Depending on their circumstances, this can provide an additional one or two years in Australia.
Conclusion
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa fee increase is an important development for international students planning to remain in the country after graduation.
With the main applicant fee reaching AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026, students now need to allocate a considerably larger budget for their post-study visa application.
However, the decision to study in Australia should not depend on visa fees alone.
Course selection, career opportunities, financial planning, and long-term objectives should all be considered before making an investment in international education.
The most important thing is to make decisions based on accurate information rather than headlines or assumptions.
Remember, a higher visa fee does not automatically mean a poor investment, but an uninformed decision can become an expensive mistake.
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