Visa fees · Subclass 500
Subclass 500 visa cost and processing time (2026-27)
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MARN 1795282
Updated
The Student visa (Subclass 500) costs A$2,500 for the main applicant, plus A$1,530 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$500 for each applicant under 18. Home Affairs reports that 75% of applications are finalised within 49 days and 90% within 4 months (Higher Education Sector). Fees are from the official Home Affairs pricing table, checked 7 October 2026; processing times are as at 29 September 2026.
How much is the subclass 500 visa application charge?
| Stream | Main applicant | Each extra applicant 18+ | Each applicant under 18 | Subsequent temporary charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All other students | A$2,500 | A$1,530 | A$500 | A$700 |
| ELICOS sector | A$2,050 | A$1,255 | A$410 | A$700 |
| Foreign Affairs or Defence sector | A$0 | — | — | — |
| Postgraduate research sector | A$2,500 | — | — | A$700 |
| Secondary exchange (Schools sector) | A$0 | — | — | — |
| – Non-Award sector | A$2,050 | A$1,255 | A$410 | A$700 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs — Current visa pricing, checked 7 October 2026. Charges are indexed each 1 July. Card payment surcharges, health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and translations are extra. Confirm the final amount with the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge.
How long does the subclass 500 visa take?
| Stream | 75% of applications | 90% of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector | 10 days | 22 days |
| Postgraduate Research Sector | 50 days | 55 days |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 34 days | 53 days |
| Schools Sector | 57 days | 7 months |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 7 months | 7 months |
| Higher Education Sector | 49 days | 4 months |
| Non-Award Sector | 18 days | 43 days |
Source: Home Affairs global visa processing times, as at 29 September 2026. See how times have moved on our processing times tracker.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 500 visa cost in 2026-27?
The base visa application charge for the Student visa (subclass 500) is A$2,500, plus A$1,530 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$500 for each applicant under 18, according to the Department of Home Affairs pricing table checked on 7 October 2026. Health checks, police certificates and other third-party costs are extra.
How long does the subclass 500 visa take to process?
Home Affairs reports that 75% of subclass 500 applications (Higher Education Sector) were finalised within 49 days and 90% within 4 months, as at 29 September 2026. Individual applications can take longer, for example if information is missing or extra checks are needed.
Full eligibility, steps and pathways: Student Visa 500 (2026): Requirements, Work & Fee · All visas: Australian visa fees table. General information only, not migration advice.