Australia has doubled the fee for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 starting March 1, impacting 3.4 lakh Indian students.
Australia has increased the application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, effective March 1, 2026. The hike impacts international graduates seeking post-study work opportunities, including nearly 3.4 lakh Indian students currently studying in Australia.
Australia Subclass 485 Visa Fee Structure
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced higher fees across multiple streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). The revised charges represent a 100% increase for the main 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 hike comes after earlier increases in student visa application costs, adding further financial pressure on international students planning to study and work in Australia.
Impact on Indian Graduate Students
Indian students make up one of the largest international student communities in Australia, with around 340,000 currently enrolled in Australian institutions. Many rely on the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain professional work experience after completing their studies.
Abhay, a recent graduate from the University of Melbourne, highlighted the difficulty caused by the sudden increase: “I was preparing to apply for the 485 visa, and suddenly the fee doubled. For many students already handling rent, tuition fees, and education loans, arranging such a large amount at once can be very challenging.”
Students nearing graduation may now need to arrange around ₹2,50,000 for their post-study work visa application, in addition to existing expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, and daily living costs.
Financial Considerations for Future Students
The recent fee hike has led many prospective students to reconsider the overall cost of studying in Australia. With tuition fees and living expenses already high, the increased cost of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is prompting students to reassess whether pursuing education in Australia remains financially worthwhile.
One Indian student evaluating Australian universities noted that the rising expenses could influence decision-making, pointing out that students already invest heavily in tuition and living costs, and a much higher post-study work visa fee adds to the overall financial burden.
Graduates who are currently finishing their degrees are also facing added pressure as they begin their job search while managing the increased visa costs. The sudden change has complicated financial planning for many international students who had previously budgeted according to the earlier fee structure.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
FAQ
Q: What is the new fee for Australia’s post-study work visa?
A: The fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has increased from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600 (around ₹2,50,000), effective March 1, 2026.
Q: Which visa streams are affected by the increase?
A: Both the Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work streams now cost AUD 4,600, while the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream has risen from AUD 905 to AUD 1,810.
Q: How many Indian students are currently studying in Australia?
A: Around 3.4 lakh (340,000) Indian students are currently studying in Australia, making them one of the country’s largest international student communities.
Q: When did the new visa fees come into effect?
A: The revised fees for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) took effect on March 1, 2026, as announced by the Department of Home Affairs.
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