From 1 July 2026, every Australian visa application charge (VAC) changed. Whether you are planning a student visa, hoping to graduate and stay on a 485, or have family members looking at a partner visa, the amount you need to budget has shifted. This guide lists the updated official fees across the most common visa types and explains what each means for African applicants planning their Australia journey.
This is factual fee information sourced directly from the Department of Home Affairs. It is not migration or financial advice. For guidance on your specific situation, speak with a QEAC-certified education agent or a MARA-registered migration agent.
Why Did Visa Fees Change?
The Australian government reviews visa application charges annually. New rates apply to all applications lodged on or after 1 July each year. Applications lodged before 1 July are not affected.
The 2026 changes are among the largest single-year increases in recent memory, particularly for skilled migration, graduate, and partner visas.
Student Visa (Subclass 500): AUD $2,500
For most African students applying for an Australian student visa, the base application charge from 1 July 2026 is AUD $2,500.
| Applicant type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (most students) | AUD $2,500 |
| Additional adult accompanying | AUD $1,530 |
| Child under 18 accompanying | AUD $500 |
| ELICOS or English language courses | AUD $2,050 |
| Postgraduate research | AUD $2,500 |
| Student Guardian (Subclass 590) | AUD $2,500 |
The student visa fee is non-refundable once lodged, even if the application is refused. Thorough preparation before lodging is essential.
For African families budgeting for a 2027 study start, the full first-year financial picture looks like this:
| Cost item | Approximate AUD |
|---|---|
| Student Visa fee | $2,500 |
| Living costs (official minimum, single student) | $29,710 |
| Tuition (varies by course and university) | $26,000-$58,000+ |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | $500-$800 |
| Approximate Year 1 total | $58,710-$91,010+ |
The living cost minimum and tuition figures change separately from the visa fee. Always verify each on the relevant official source before building your budget.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): AUD $5,750
African students who complete their Australian degree and want to stay and work need to budget for the 485 fee from 1 July 2026.
| Stream | Base fee |
|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | AUD $5,750 |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | AUD $5,750 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | AUD $2,265 |
The 485 gives graduates 2 to 4 years to work in Australia and build experience toward skilled migration or employer sponsorship. A partner accompanying you adds AUD $2,875, and each dependent child adds AUD $1,450.
Skilled Migration Visas
For those pursuing permanent residency through the points test or employer sponsorship, the government fees have increased significantly.
| Visa | Subclass | Base fee |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 189 | AUD $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Work Regional | 491 | AUD $6,140 |
| Skills in Demand (employer sponsored) | 482 | AUD $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme | 186 | AUD $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | 494 | AUD $6,140 |
These are government fees only. Skills assessments, English tests, health examinations, police clearances, and professional fees are budgeted separately.
Partner Visas: AUD $11,710
For African applicants with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner, the partner visa fee has increased substantially.
| Visa | Subclass | Base fee |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Visa (Onshore) | 820/801 | AUD $11,710 |
| Partner Visa (Offshore) | 309/100 | AUD $11,710 |
| Prospective Marriage Visa | 300 | AUD $11,710 |
Partner visas take 16 to 48+ months to process. Confirm the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Planning a family visit to Australia? Visitor visa fees from 1 July 2026:
| Stream | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist stream (outside Australia) | AUD $250 |
| Tourist stream (inside Australia) | AUD $630 |
What This Means for Your Planning
The consistent theme across all these changes: budget early and use 1 July 2026 figures. The government fee is one part of your total migration cost, but it is the non-negotiable starting point.
For African students planning a 2027 or 2028 student visa:
- 1.Use AUD $2,500 as your government visa fee baseline.
- 2.Build a buffer above the AUD $29,710 living cost minimum. Actual living costs in Sydney and Melbourne typically run higher.
- 3.Check tuition directly with your chosen institution as fees change annually.
- 4.Factor in OSHC, flights, and settling-in costs before you leave home.
For students already studying and planning the 485 graduate visa: set aside the AUD $5,750 before your student visa expires, alongside health insurance and any medical or police check costs.
If you would like help understanding which visa pathway suits your profile and how to build your budget, book a consultation with the Afrovo team. As QEAC-certified education agents, we can guide you through the student visa process and connect you with MARA-registered agents for formal migration lodgements.
All fees are sourced from the Department of Home Affairs official visa pricing table, last updated 1 July 2026. Always verify the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging your application, as fees change annually on 1 July.
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