🇦🇺 How Much Does It Really Cost? Discover Australia Study Visa Embassy Fees in 2025

If you’ve ever dreamt of studying under Australia’s bright skies and world-class universities, you’ve probably wondered, “How much will it cost me to get there?” Beyond tuition and living expenses, your embassy fees for an Australian study visa are crucial to budget for.

   

In this guide, we’ll break down the exact embassy fees, hidden costs, and what you can expect when applying for your Australia student visa (Subclass 500) in 2025.

Why This Matters: Know Before You Go

Nothing derails your study abroad plans like an unexpected fee. Many students mistakenly budget for tuition and accommodation alone, only to be blindsided by visa charges, biometrics, and health checks.

Understanding your upfront costs means fewer surprises and a smoother path to your Australian degree. Plus, you’ll be prepared with the right documents, saving you weeks of potential delays.

The Official Visa Fee for Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)

So, what is the embassy fee in 2025 for an Australian student visa?

✅ Base Visa Fee: As of the latest update in mid-2025, the Subclass 500 student visa application fee is AUD $710. This is paid online when you submit your application via the Department of Home Affairs portal.

👉 You can verify this on Australia’s official immigration fee page:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/visa-pricing-estimator

This fee generally covers:

• Processing your visa application
• Initial administrative checks

However, this is just the start. Depending on your situation, there could be additional costs.

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Other Costs You Might Have to Pay

1. Biometrics Fee

If required (and it often is), you’ll need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This fee is separate from the embassy fee and typically costs around AUD $40–$60, varying by country.

To check if your country requires biometrics, visit the official guide:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

2. Health Examination Fees

Many applicants must complete a medical check with a panel doctor approved by Australia. This cost ranges widely, from AUD $100 to over AUD $300, depending on your country.

More on who needs health exams:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

3. Police Certificates

If asked, you’ll need to provide police clearance certificates from any country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more. Fees for this vary by country.

Are These Fees Refundable?

Unfortunately, most aren’t. The AUD $710 visa application fee is generally non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. That’s why it’s vital to double-check your documents and eligibility before applying.

Additional Costs to Prepare For

Don’t overlook other small-but-necessary expenses like:

• Translating documents into English
• Notarising academic transcripts
• Courier costs if physical documents are requested
• Travel costs to your biometrics or medical appointment

These add up quickly, so it’s smart to have an extra buffer in your visa budget.

Why Are Fees Increasing?

Many students ask why Australia’s visa fees keep rising. The answer? Inflation, increased vetting costs, and a global demand for secure migration processes. Visa fees have grown steadily over the years, and with Australia’s new digital processing upgrades, further incremental increases are likely.

Pro Tip: Pay Online & Keep Receipts

Always pay your visa fee via Australia’s official portal, not through unofficial agents who might charge extra. You’ll get a secure receipt immediately, which is essential for tracking your application.

Check all payments are made at:
https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

How to Avoid Extra Agent Fees

Hundreds of students spend extra by going through consultants or agents who charge for filling out the same online form you can do yourself — for free. If your application is straightforward, consider applying directly to save hundreds of dollars.

If you do use an agent, ensure they are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA): https://www.mara.gov.au/

FAQs: Australia Student Visa Fees

Q1: Can I pay my visa fee after submitting my application?

No — you must pay the AUD $710 visa fee upfront to submit your application. It won’t be processed until paid.

Q2: Is the visa fee the same for all countries?

Yes, the fee is set in Australian dollars, but the amount you pay in your local currency may vary due to exchange rates or bank charges.

Q3: Will I have to pay the visa fee again if I make a mistake?

If your visa is refused due to errors, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again. Double-check everything!

Q4: Do I still pay this fee if I have a scholarship?

Yes. Scholarships often cover tuition and living costs but rarely cover visa application fees.

Q5: How long does visa processing take after paying the fee?

Most Subclass 500 visas are processed in 3 to 8 weeks, but timelines vary. Applying early is your best safeguard.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the exact embassy fees for your Australian study visa helps you plan wisely and avoid last-minute financial panic. As you budget for your Australian education adventure, include these visa costs upfront — so you can focus on landing that acceptance letter and packing for the journey of a lifetime.

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