Australia’s Department of Home Affairs doubled the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fee from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 (approximately ₹3 lakh) effective 1 March 2026. The sudden increase, announced without prior consultation, makes Australia the most expensive destination globally for post-study work rights.
The fee hike particularly impacts Indian graduates, who must now budget an additional ₹1.5 lakh per principal applicant, plus higher charges for dependants. Education agents estimate Indians accounted for nearly 25% of the 96,000 Subclass 485 visas granted in 2025.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 1 March 2026 |
| New Fee | AUD 4,600 (₹3 lakh) |
| Previous Fee | AUD 2,300 (₹1.5 lakh) |
| Additional Cost | ₹1.5 lakh per application |
Australia Post-Study Work Visa Fee Comparison
The Subclass 485 visa allows foreign university graduates to work in Australia for up to three years and serves as a common pathway to permanent residency. With the new pricing, Australia’s fees are now double those of Canada and triple those of New Zealand for similar post-study work programs.
For comprehensive guidance on Australia’s changing visa landscape, consult our Australia Visa Guide for detailed requirements and processes.
Impact on Indian Students and Universities
Student associations and universities have criticized the move, warning it could deter high-calibre STEM talent and undermine the Australian government’s ‘India Economic Strategy 2030’, which targets deeper skills mobility with India. Some institutions are considering partial fee subsidies or bursaries to support priority cohorts such as PhD candidates.
Indian employers sponsoring graduate trainees under international mobility programs may need to renegotiate relocation budgets or shift placements to the UK and Canada, where post-study fees remain significantly lower. Use our Visa Fee Calculator to compare costs across different destinations.
Higher Stakes for Visa Applications
Immigration advisers urge applicants to submit complete applications upfront, as the higher financial outlay increases the cost of potential refusals. Refusal rates for Indian citizens already stood at 15% in 2025, making thorough preparation crucial.
With fees now at ₹3 lakh per application, any documentation errors or incomplete submissions carry substantially higher financial consequences than before. The increased cost pressure emphasizes the importance of accurate document preparation and meeting all eligibility criteria.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Australia
FAQ
Q: What is the new fee for Australia’s post-study work visa? A: The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fee is now AUD 4,600, approximately ₹3 lakh, effective from 1 March 2026.
Q: How much did the visa fee increase for Indian students? A: The fee doubled from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, meaning Indian students must budget an additional ₹1.5 lakh per application.
Q: Which visa allows foreign graduates to work in Australia after studies? A: The Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa permits foreign university graduates to work in Australia for up to three years and serves as a pathway to permanent residency.
Q: What percentage of these visas went to Indian students in 2025? A: Education agents estimate that Indians accounted for nearly 25% of the 96,000 Subclass 485 visas granted in 2025.
Q: How does Australia’s new fee compare to other countries? A: Australia is now the most expensive destination for post-study work rights, with fees double those of Canada and triple those of New Zealand.