Is the Australia student visa fee the same no matter which visa category I apply under?
No, Australia student visa fees vary by category. The standard Subclass 500 fee is AUD 2,500, the ELICOS or Non-Award sector fee is AUD 2,050, and eligible citizens of Pacific Island nations, Timor-Leste and ASEAN countries qualify for separate concessional rates.
Your Australia student visa fee depends on which sector your course falls under, so you should not assume every applicant pays the same amount. The standard Subclass 500 charge is AUD 2,500, while students on a short ELICOS or Non-Award course pay a lower AUD 2,050. Certain nationalities also receive a concessional rate regardless of course type.
Student Visa Fees by Category
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Subclass 500 | AUD 2,500 |
| ELICOS or Non-Award sector | AUD 2,050 |
| Eligible Pacific Island, Timor-Leste and ASEAN citizens | Concessional rate |
Why the Fee Varies
- Course type and sector, such as ELICOS versus higher education, changes the base charge
- Nationality based concessions exist for specific Pacific and ASEAN citizens
- These are primary applicant charges, and dependents added to your application incur their own separate charges
Checking which sector your specific course belongs to before you pay is the simplest way to confirm the correct fee rather than assuming the standard Subclass 500 amount applies automatically.
My Advice
Confirm your course's exact sector classification with your education provider before you pay your visa fee, since paying the wrong amount can delay your application. If you qualify for a concessional rate based on your citizenship, gather the supporting proof early so it does not hold up your submission.
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