Australia has doubled the post-study work visa fee to around AUD 4,600, which is roughly ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh for Indian students.
If you are planning to study or stay in Australia after graduation, this directly affects your budget.
This is for Indian and Punjabi students who plan to study in Australia or stay back after studies for work.
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What changed in 2026
The Temporary Graduate Visa fee has increased sharply.
Earlier, students paid around AUD 2,300. Now it is close to AUD 4,600.
That is almost double.
For an Indian student, this means:
- Earlier cost: around ₹1.2 to ₹1.4 lakh
- New cost: around ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh
This is only the visa fee. It does not include:
- Health insurance
- Medical tests
- Agent or documentation costs
Your total cost can easily cross ₹3.5 lakh.
Why Australia increased the fee
The government is tightening its student and migration system.
Main reasons include:
- Reducing low-quality applications
- Controlling migration numbers
- Increasing revenue from international students
Australia is moving towards a more strict and selective system.
What this means for you
This is where most students make mistakes. They ignore the full cost.
You need to plan early.
Here is the real impact:
- Higher financial pressure after graduation
- More risk if you do not get a job quickly
- Less margin for trial and error
If you already have a student loan, this adds more burden.
Should you still go to Australia
Yes, but only if your plan makes sense.
You should consider Australia if:
- Your course leads to a clear job path
- You can manage living costs plus visa expenses
- You are ready to work part-time consistently
You should rethink if:
- You are unsure about your career path
- You are depending fully on part-time income
- You do not have backup funds
Practical steps you should take
Do not wait until your course ends. Plan from day one.
Here is what you can do:
- Save at least ₹3 lakh separately for post-study visa
- Choose courses linked to skilled jobs
- Start job search 6 months before graduation
- Build skills alongside studies
If you delay planning, this fee will hit you hard later.
Smarter way to handle this
Think long-term.
Instead of focusing only on getting to Australia, focus on staying there legally and working.
Ask yourself:
- Will this course help me get a job?
- Can I recover the ₹3 lakh visa cost within 6 to 12 months?
If the answer is no, rethink your plan.
FAQs
Why did Australia increase the post-study visa fee?
To control migration, reduce misuse, and increase revenue from international students.
Can I avoid paying this fee?
No. This is a mandatory government fee for the post-study work visa.
Is Australia still worth it after this increase?
Yes, if your course leads to a job and you have proper financial planning.
