Australia Student Visa Fees & Embassy Charges for Indian Applicants (2025 Update)

Australia remains a top choice for Indian students pursuing global education. As of 2025, the Australia student visa fees for the Subclass 500 visa have increased to 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh). This includes base charges and may vary based on the number of applicants and Australia embassy fees for student visa processing. Knowing the exact visa fee for Australia student visa helps Indian students plan their finances better and avoid last-minute surprises. 

In this guide, you’ll read more about the Subclass 500 visa, detailed fee breakdowns, Australia visa fees for Indian students, embassy charges, payment methods, and smart ways to save on costs. 

Applying for Subclass 500? Must check out the intakes in Australia ! 

What is Subclass 500 Visa Fees in Australia? 

The Subclass 500 visa is the primary student visa for international learners, including Indian students, who wish to pursue full-time education in Australia. As of July 2025, the Australia student visa fees for this category have increased to 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh). This fee applies to the primary applicant and covers the base cost of processing the visa. 

Purpose of the Fee 

The visa fee is charged by the Department of Home Affairs to: 

• Process your application. 
• Assess your eligibility and documentation. 
• Grant permission to study and stay in Australia for the duration of your course. 

This fee is mandatory and must be paid online during the application process. 

Eligibility for Subclass 500 Visa 

To apply for the Subclass 500 visa, you must: 

• Be enrolled in a registered course (COE required). 
• Meet financial and health requirements. 
• Fulfill English language criteria via IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. 
• Demonstrate genuine student intent under the GS (Genuine Student) framework. 

These requirements ensure that only qualified and committed students are granted entry. 

Recent Changes in 2025 

Australia has revised its visa fee structure and eligibility rules to improve migration control and support its education system. 

Fee Hike Timeline:  

Year	Visa Fee
Pre-2023	710 AUD (INR 41,000)
Mid-2023	1,600 AUD (INR 92,000)
July 2025	2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh)

This increase in Australia student visa fees in Indian rupees reflects the government’s updated policies. 

Australia Student Visa Fees Breakdown (2025) 

Understanding what is the student visa fee for Australia is essential for Indian students planning to study abroad. The cost varies depending on the type of applicant and number of dependents included in the application.  

Below is a breakdown of the visa fee for Australia student visa in 2025: 

Base Application Charges 

The base fee for the primary applicant applying for the Subclass 500 visa is: 

Applicant Type	Visa Fee
Primary Applicant	2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh)

This is the standard charge for a single student visa application. It covers the processing of your application by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Additional Applicant Charges 

If you're applying with family members, additional charges apply. These are added to the base fee and vary depending on the relationship and age of the dependent. 

Applicant Type	Visa Fee
Spouse	1,225 AUD (INR 68,000)
Child (under 18)	400 AUD (INR 23,000)

These fees are part of the total Australia visa fees for Indian students when applying as a family unit. Including dependents increases the overall cost, so it's important to plan accordingly. 

Australia Embassy Fees for Student Visa 

When applying for a student visa, Indian applicants must also account for Australia embassy fees for student visa processing. These fees are separate from the base visa charges and typically range between INR 3,000 to INR 6,000, depending on the services used. 

What Are Embassy Fees? 

Embassy fees are administrative charges collected by the visa application center or embassy during the submission process. These fees vary slightly depending on the location and services used. 

Common services include: 

• Biometric enrolment 
• Document scanning and uploading 
• Courier delivery of documents 
• SMS/email notifications for application status 

Accepted payment methods: 

• Credit or debit cards 
• PayPal 
• Bank transfers (where available) 

These fees are paid directly to the visa application centre and are non-refundable. 

Fee Structure for Indian Students 

Here’s an overview of Australia visa fees for Indian students at the embassy level: 

Service	Fee (INR)
Biometric enrolment	INR 2,000–3,000
Document scanning	INR 1,000–1,500
Courier services	INR 500–1,000
SMS/email notifications	INR 300–500

These costs are in addition to the Australia student visa fees in Indian rupees and should be factored into your total budget.  

Factors Affecting Visa Fees 

The Australia student visa fees can vary depending on several factors. While the base fee for the Subclass 500 visa is 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh), your total cost may increase based on your course type, location, and number of dependents.  

Course Duration and Location 

Your course length directly affects how long your visa is valid, and that can influence the overall cost. 

• Longer courses may require visa extensions, which come with additional fees. 
• Short-term courses (less than 10 months) usually have lower associated costs. 
• Regional campuses may offer incentives or discounts, but processing fees can vary slightly by location. 

If you're studying in a remote area or applying for a specialized program, check with your institution for any location-based surcharges. 

Policy Reforms and Migration Caps 

Australia’s immigration policies are updated regularly, and these changes can impact visa fees. 

• In 2025, the government increased the visa fee for Australia student visa from 1,600 AUD to 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh). 
• The hike is part of broader reforms aimed at managing migration and ensuring genuine student intent. 
• New rules like mandatory COE and stricter English requirements have also added to the cost of applying. 

These reforms are especially relevant for Indian students, as they influence both the Australia visa fees for Indian students and the approval process. 

How to Pay Australia Student Visa Fees from India? 

Paying your Australia student visa fees from India is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid delays. Whether you're applying for the Subclass 500 visa or including family members, the payment must be completed online before your application is submitted. 

Accepted Payment Methods 

Indian applicants can pay the visa fee for Australia student visa using: 

• Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) 
• PayPal 
• UnionPay 
• BPAY (for applicants within Australia only) 

All payments are made through the official Department of Home Affairs portal. You’ll receive a receipt once the transaction is successful, which must be attached to your visa application. 

Step-by-Step Payment Procedure 

Here’s a simple guide to help Indian students pay their Australia student visa fees in Indian rupees: 

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website. 
2. Fill out your visa application form and upload required documents. 
3. Review the total fee amount (e.g., 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh) for the primary applicant). 
4. Choose your preferred payment method. 
5. Complete the transaction securely. 
6. Download and save the payment receipt for future reference. 

Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions. If you're using PayPal, ensure your account is verified and linked to a valid funding source. 

Tips to Save on Visa Costs 

While the Australia student visa fees and embassy charges are fixed, there are smart ways Indian students can reduce their overall expenses. From early planning to exploring exemptions, these tips can help you manage your budget better. 

Budgeting Strategies 

Planning ahead is key to saving money during your visa process. 

• Apply early to avoid last-minute service charges or expedited processing fees. 
• Use education loans that cover visa fees and related costs. 
• Look for scholarships offered by Australian universities , some cover partial visa expenses. 
• Avoid reapplications by submitting complete and accurate documents the first time. 

These steps help reduce the risk of paying extra fees due to delays or errors. 

Exemptions and Refunds 

Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or partial refunds. 

• Students from Timor-Leste, certain Pacific nations, and government-sponsored programs may be exempt from paying the full visa fee. 
• If your application is withdrawn before processing, you may be eligible for a partial refund. 
• In rare cases, if your visa is refused due to administrative error, you can request a refund through the Department of Home Affairs. 

Always check the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website for the latest refund and exemption policies. 

Conclusion 

The cost of studying in Australia goes beyond tuition, understanding the Australia student visa fees is key to budgeting your academic journey. With the Subclass 500 visa now priced at 2,000 AUD (INR 1.15 lakh), Indian students must also factor in Australia embassy fees for student visa services, additional applicant charges, and payment processing costs. These fees vary based on your application type, number of dependents, and location, making it essential to plan early and accurately. 

By knowing the visa fee for Australia student visa, how to pay it from India, and what influences the total cost, students can avoid delays and financial surprises. Whether you're applying solo or with family, this guide helps you understand the Australia student visa fees in Indian rupees and make informed decisions. Staying updated with policy changes and using smart budgeting strategies can make your study abroad experience smoother and more affordable. 

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