Australia has doubled the application fee for its Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, effective March 1, 2026. The significant increase affects international graduates seeking post-study work experience, with nearly 3.4 lakh Indian students currently studying in Australia facing the impact of this policy change.
Australia Subclass 485 Visa Fee Structure
The Department of Home Affairs implemented the fee increase across multiple visa streams. The revised costs represent a 100% increase for the primary post-study work categories.
| Visa Stream | Previous Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Vocational Education Work | AUD 2,300 | AUD 4,600 | 100% |
| Post-Higher Education Work | AUD 2,300 | AUD 4,600 | 100% |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work | AUD 905 | AUD 1,810 | 100% |
The fee change follows previous increases to student visa application fees, creating additional financial pressure on international students pursuing Australian education.
Impact on Indian Graduate Students
Indian students form one of the largest international student groups in Australia, with approximately 340,000 currently enrolled in Australian institutions. Many depend on the Subclass 485 visa to gain professional work experience after completing their studies.
Abhay, a recent graduate from the University of Melbourne, described the timing challenge: “I was planning my 485 visa application, and suddenly the fee doubled. For many students who are already managing rent, tuition costs and education loans, arranging such a large amount at once can be very difficult.”
Students approaching graduation now face the additional burden of securing approximately ₹2,50,000 for their post-study work visa application. This amount comes on top of existing expenses including tuition fees, accommodation costs, and living expenses.
Financial Considerations for Future Students
The fee increase has prompted prospective students to reassess the financial viability of Australian education. An Indian student considering Australian universities noted the cumulative cost impact: “Students already spend heavily on tuition and living expenses. If the post-study work visa itself costs this much, many people will start calculating whether the return on investment still makes sense.”
Current graduates completing their degrees face additional pressure as they search for their first professional opportunities while managing the increased visa costs. The timing adds complexity to career planning for international students who had budgeted based on the previous fee structure.
For detailed information about Australian visa requirements and processes, Indian students can review our comprehensive Australia Visa Guide. To calculate the total cost impact of these changes, use our Visa Fee Calculator for accurate budgeting.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Australia
FAQ
Q: What is the new fee for Australia’s post-study work visa? A: The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) fee has increased from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, approximately ₹2,50,000, effective March 1, 2026.
Q: Which visa streams are affected by the fee increase? A: Both Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Post-Higher Education Work stream now cost AUD 4,600. The Second Post-Higher Education Work stream increased from AUD 905 to AUD 1,810.
Q: How many Indian students are studying in Australia currently? A: Nearly 3.4 lakh (340,000) Indian students are currently studying in Australia, making them one of the largest international student groups.
Q: When did the new visa fees take effect? A: The doubled fees for the Subclass 485 visa became effective from March 1, 2026, as announced by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.