How Much to Budget for University in Australia: Student Visa Fee 2,500 AUD, Living Cost Requirement 29,710 AUD

2026-10-04 · Guides

Effective July 1, 2026, the visa fee for the primary applicant of an Australian Student Visa will increase from 2,000 AUD to 2,500 AUD. For financial evidence, the living cost for the student alone for 12 months is set at 29,710 AUD, with tuition fees and travel costs calculated separately. During the academic term, work is limited to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. This article summarizes essential information on student visa fees, financial evidence requirements, work regulations, and the 485 Graduate Visa.

When planning to study in Australia, you need to budget for several expenses: visa fees, proof of funds (living expenses, tuition, and travel costs), how much you can work in Australia to supplement your income, and the cost of applying for a post-study work visa. Based on current information from the Department of Home Affairs and the Study Australia website, the key figures are: student visa fees from AUD 2,500, a living cost standard of AUD 29,710 per year for the student, and a maximum of 48 hours of work per fortnight during class sessions.

Another important note: Starting October 2, 2026, student visa applications will generally no longer allow accompanying spouses and children, and Chinese students are not exempt based on nationality. The dependent living cost standards below are for reference only for applicants who meet the exception criteria.

1. Student Visa Fee: From AUD 2,500

Starting July 1, 2026, the visa fee for the primary applicant of a Student visa (subclass 500) will increase from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, a rise of AUD 500. The Department of Home Affairs page states "From AUD2,500.00," indicating the base price, with fee reductions available in certain cases:

Eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste
Eligible citizens of ASEAN countries
Applicants for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) and Non-Award courses

Chinese students applying for degree programs such as bachelor's or master's degrees should generally prepare AUD 2,500. The final amount is determined by the Department's Visa Pricing Estimator. Student visas can be granted for up to 6 years, aligning with the study program.

2. Proof of Funds: Living Costs + Tuition + Travel Costs

Applying for a student visa requires proof of your ability to cover expenses in Australia. The current 12-month living cost standards listed by the Department of Home Affairs are:

Person	12-Month Living Costs
Student	AUD 29,710
Accompanying spouse	AUD 10,394
Each accompanying child	AUD 4,449

As mentioned, starting October 2, student visas will generally no longer allow accompanying dependents. Unless Chinese students meet exception criteria such as pursuing a PhD or holding a foreign government scholarship, they generally only need to refer to the first row.

In addition to living costs, you must also calculate two other items:

Tuition fees: Calculated based on the tuition for the first 12 months of the course; if the course is less than 12 months, the total tuition is used. Any amounts already paid can be deducted, but proof such as receipts or a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) must be provided.
Travel costs: Transportation expenses for round-trip travel to and from Australia.

If your stay in Australia is less than a year, living costs can be calculated pro rata: divide the annual amount by 365 and multiply by the planned number of days of stay.

A simple estimation method: Total proof of funds ≈ First-year tuition + AUD 29,710 + Round-trip travel costs. When preparing the actual amount, it is advisable to leave some buffer to account for exchange rate fluctuations. Tuition varies significantly across different universities and majors, so calculate based on the international student tuition in your offer letter or on the university's official website.

3. How Much You Can Work in Australia

According to Study Australia:

During class sessions: Up to 48 hours per fortnight.
During semester breaks: Unlimited hours.
After the course ends: Unlimited hours.
Master's by research and PhD: Unlimited hours once commencing a Master's by research or PhD.

The 48 hours are calculated as a cumulative total over a fortnight, not an average of 24 hours per week. Income from work can supplement living expenses, but it is not recommended to include it in your pre-departure financial plan, as proof of funds requires money that can be proven before departure.

4. Post-Graduation: 485 Temporary Graduate Visa

Students who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in Australia can consider applying for the Post-Higher Education Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Current basic information from the Department of Home Affairs page:

Item	Details
Duration of stay	Typically 2 to 3 years, depending on the qualification
Age	35 years old or under at the time of application (exceptions apply)
Visa fee	From AUD 5,750
Lodgement location	Must be in Australia at the time of application

Other key requirements include: holding an eligible visa; having held a student visa within the past 6 months; recently completing a degree in a CRICOS-registered course; providing adequate health insurance coverage for all applicants; and providing evidence of having applied for an Australian Federal Police check. English language proficiency is also required, with specific score requirements detailed on the Department's page.

Please note: On September 17, 2026, the Minister for Home Affairs announced that new applicants for the 485 visa will also no longer be able to bring dependents. As of October 4, 2026, we have not seen an effective date for this measure on the Department's website, and the 485 page currently still states that dependents can be included. This change has only been announced and is not yet in effect; please follow subsequent announcements from the Department.

Budgeting Advice for Families

Calculate the total first, then determine the funding method. Add up the visa fee, first-year tuition, living costs, and travel costs to determine the amount you need to prove and actually require.
The living cost standard is not the actual expense. AUD 29,710 is the minimum amount required for visa proof. Costs vary significantly depending on the city and accommodation type, so base your actual budget on your target city.
Include post-graduation costs. If you plan to work in Australia after graduation, the 485 visa fee starts from AUD 5,750, plus health checks, insurance, and other expenses.
Keep the age limit in mind early on. The 485 visa has an age limit of 35. Applicants who start their master's studies later should plan ahead.
Double-check before lodging. Visa fees and financial standards are subject to change; refer to the figures on the Department's website at the time of lodgement.

This article is for informational purposes regarding policy updates only. The content is current as of October 4, 2026, and does not constitute immigration or legal advice.

Need Help?

If you want to figure out how much to prepare for your first year of university in Australia, or if you'd like to plan your student visa and post-graduation arrangements together, check out our Australia Admissions Services and Visa Services, or Book a consultation.