Student visa cost Australia checklist is the phrase every future international student searches before lodging their application. This practical guide breaks down every typical cost you will face—from the Visa Application Charge to health checks, English tests, insurance, police certificates, and everyday living—so you can prepare a realistic budget with confidence.
Image suggestion: smiling student at a desk with receipts and a calculator. Image alt: Student visa cost Australia checklist — 2025 budgeting for international students.
Why A Cost Checklist Matters
Visa budgets can fall apart when you forget “hidden” items like biometrics service fees, translations, or bank currency conversion charges. A clear, step-by-step Student visa cost Australia checklist helps you:
Map mandatory expenses you must pay to the Australian Government.
Estimate third-party costs you’ll likely pay to clinics, test centres, or insurers.
Plan your cashflow for deposits, tuition, and living expenses without surprises.
Student visa cost Australia checklist — What You Pay To Home Affairs
Visa Application Charge (VAC) — Main Applicant
From AUD 2,000 for the Student (subclass 500) visa (unless exempt). This figure applied from 1 July 2025. Immigration and citizenship Website+1Additional Applicant Charges
If you include family members, you’ll also pay an additional applicant charge (amount depends on age and whether they apply with you). From 1 July 2025, widely cited amounts are AUD 1,225 for each additional applicant aged 18+, and AUD 400 for each applicant under 18. Always confirm the latest figures via the official Visa Pricing Estimator. Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers+1Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC)
If you apply onshore for certain temporary visas after already holding another temporary visa, a STAC may apply in addition to the VAC. The charge depends on your circumstances; check the Department’s explanation and the Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge. Immigration and citizenship Website+1Surcharges On Payment Methods
Card or PayPal payments can attract surcharges, so ensure your card limits and available funds cover any extra cost. Immigration and citizenship Website
Tip: Fees change and are non-refundable in most cases, even if refused or withdrawn, so always reconfirm the current pricing right before you pay. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is mandatory for most student visa holders and must cover the full length of your stay (usually from your arrival date through to your visa end date). Premiums vary by insurer, cover level, and whether you include dependants. As a realistic reference point, one published university page lists Allianz Care OSHC rates effective 1 April 2025 (e.g., Single 12-month: AUD 806; Couple 12-month: AUD 6,707; Family 12-month: AUD 8,917). Your price may differ by insurer and dates—compare before you buy. Australian National University
Medical Examinations (Health Checks)
Many applicants need a health examination by an approved panel clinic. In Australia, Bupa Medical Visa Services publishes itemised fees (for example: 501 Medical Examination and 502 Chest X-ray). Current listed prices show the structure used to calculate your total; the exact tests required will be in your HAP letter. Bupa+1
Health exam costs vary by country if you complete them outside Australia. Clinics abroad publish their own fee schedules—expect different local currencies and packages. Lilavati Hospital+1
Biometrics Collection (If Requested)
If you receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), you must attend an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) run by VFS Global in many countries. These centres charge a service fee for collection, and the amount varies by country (for example, a posted rate in Pakistan lists PKR 5,880 for biometric collection). Always check the local VFS page for your location. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
English Test Fees (If You Need A Test)
Most students meet English requirements via an accepted test. As at mid-2025, published Australian fees commonly include:
IELTS (on computer or paper) in Australia: around AUD 475. ail.edu.au
PTE Academic in Australia: AUD 475 as listed by one Australian university test centre. Victoria University, Australia
Note: Accepted English language tests for visa purposes were updated on 7 August 2025; always confirm your test and scores meet current policy. Immigration and citizenship Website
Police Certificates
Depending on your history, you may need a police certificate from Australia or other countries you’ve lived in. In Australia, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check currently lists AUD 56 (standard) or AUD 113 (with fingerprints). State police and private ACIC-accredited providers may have different prices. afp.gov.au+1
Financial Capacity: The Amount You Must Show
You must demonstrate funds for 12 months of living costs, tuition (usually first year), travel, and any school fees for dependants. From 10 May 2024, the minimum 12-month living cost for a single student increased to AUD 29,710 (with set amounts for partners and children). These figures remain the baseline reference in 2025 unless changed by the Department. Immigration and citizenship Website
What this means for you:
Add first-year tuition (minus any deposit already paid).
Add OSHC for the full visa length.
Add return travel (typical minimum amount shown in policy guidance for offshore applicants). Immigration and citizenship Website
Accommodation & Everyday Living: Reality Check
Visa rules require minimum funds, but actual costs can be higher depending on city and lifestyle. To research typical rents and share-houses:
Browse property listings at Realestate.com.au.
Compare rentals and suburb guides on Domain.com.au.
Find shared rooms or flatmates on Flatmates.com.au.
Check renting rights and bonds on a government tenancy authority such as Residential Tenancies Authority QLD (RTA).
These four front pages are ideal starting points to estimate rent, understand tenancy rules, and plan bonds and utilities.
Tuition, Deposits, And Materials
Tuition deposit: Most universities require a deposit before issuing your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Amounts vary by institution and course.
Materials & equipment: Budget for textbooks, software, lab gear, studio materials, or uniforms if relevant.
Overseas card fees: If paying from abroad, expect bank charges and currency conversion spreads.
Translations, Certifications, And Postage
If your documents are not in English, you may need NAATI-certified translations (or overseas equivalents accepted by the Department). Some applicants also pay for certified copies, notarial services, or courier/post for hard-copy submissions. Prices vary by country and provider.
Example: 12-Month Budget Snapshot (Single Student)
Use this illustrative example to practise your calculations:
Visa Application Charge: AUD 2,000 (main applicant). Immigration and citizenship Website
OSHC (Single, 12 months): from around AUD 806 with some providers shown in university guides; your quote may differ. Australian National University
Health Examination: based on Bupa itemised fees if done in Australia; your HAP letter defines tests (e.g., 501 medical exam, 502 chest X-ray). Bupa
English Test: if required (IELTS or PTE ~AUD 475 each in many Australian test centres). ail.edu.au+1
Police Certificate: AFP NPC AUD 56 (or AUD 113 with fingerprints). afp.gov.au
Biometrics Service Fee: varies by location (check your local VFS page). Immigration and citizenship Website
Financial Capacity: evidence of AUD 29,710 for living costs + first-year tuition + travel + any dependants’ schooling if applicable. Immigration and citizenship Website
Remember: these are separate items. Financial capacity evidence isn’t an extra payment to the government; it’s proof you have funds to support yourself.
Student visa cost Australia checklist — OSHC, Health, And Exams
Use this expanded Student visa cost Australia checklist to avoid missing anything:
☐ Visa Application Charge (main applicant) — confirm amount and card surcharge before payment. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
☐ Additional applicant charge(s) — dependants 18+ and under 18 (if applicable). Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers
☐ Possible STAC if applying onshore after another temporary visa — check estimator. Immigration and citizenship Website
☐ OSHC for the full stay (single, couple, or family). Australian National University
☐ Health examination (per HAP letter) at panel clinic or Bupa MVS. Bupa
☐ Biometrics service fee at VFS/ABCC (if requested). Immigration and citizenship Website
☐ English test (IELTS, PTE, etc.) if your offer or visa requires it. ail.edu.au+1
☐ Police certificates (AFP or overseas, as applicable). afp.gov.au
☐ Translations, certified copies, notary costs, courier/post.
☐ Tuition deposit (for CoE issuance), textbooks, and equipment.
☐ Accommodation startup costs: bond, initial rent, utilities connection, furniture basics—check renting guidance and listings via Realestate, Domain, Flatmates, and your state tenancy authority (e.g., RTA).
Accommodation Startup Costs In Detail
Bond is typically up to 4 weeks’ rent in many states/territories. You may also prepay 2–4 weeks’ rent and pay utility connection charges or buy furniture if your place is unfurnished. To plan:
Compare suburbs and weekly rents on Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au.
If you prefer shared housing, start with Flatmates.com.au.
Review tenancy rules and bond handling on a government site like RTA QLD (or your state’s tenancy authority front page).
How To Avoid Unnecessary Extra Costs
Check the official visa fee on the day you pay. Charges can change quickly; the Department’s site and pricing estimator are authoritative sources. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
Bundle appointments smartly. Book English tests, medicals, and biometrics with enough time to avoid rush fees or rescheduling costs.
Compare OSHC options for total length of stay (including the extra time your visa grants after course end). University partner offers are convenient; comparison may save money. Australian National University
Watch exchange rates. If you’re paying tuition deposits or OSHC from abroad, use a card or transfer service with fair FX spreads and transparent fees.
Keep proof of all payments. Receipts for OSHC, exams, and police checks help if the Department requests evidence later.
Student visa cost Australia checklist — Print-Friendly Version
Copy, paste, and tick each box as you complete it:
☐ I confirmed the main VAC and any additional applicant charges on the Department’s website today. Immigration and citizenship Website+1
☐ I checked whether STAC applies to my onshore application. Immigration and citizenship Website
☐ I purchased OSHC for the entire visa period (single/couple/family). Australian National University
☐ I completed my health examination per my HAP letter and kept the receipt. Bupa
☐ I attended biometrics at VFS/ABCC (if requested) and kept proof of payment. Immigration and citizenship Website
☐ I sat an accepted English test (if required) and stored the Test Report authentication. Immigration and citizenship Website
☐ I obtained police certificates from all required countries. afp.gov.au
☐ I prepared translations and certified copies where needed.
☐ I organised accommodation, read the tenancy rules, and budgeted bond + first rent.
☐ I gathered financial capacity evidence: living costs, first-year tuition, travel, and dependants where applicable. Immigration and citizenship Website
Budgeting Notes For Dependants (If Any)
If your partner or children will accompany you:
Add additional applicant charges to your visa budget. Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers
Upgrade OSHC to Couple or Family cover for the entire visa length. Australian National University
Increase your financial capacity to include spouse/partner living costs and any school fees for school-aged children. Immigration and citizenship Website
Processing Time, Re-lodgement, And Refund Reality
Processing times vary. Published times are indicative only and depend on your profile. Study Australia
VACs are generally non-refundable, even if refused or withdrawn, except in limited, listed scenarios on the Department’s site. malaysia.highcommission.gov.au
If you later apply onshore for another temporary visa, factor in whether STAC may apply. Immigration and citizenship Website
Putting It All Together: A Simple Planning Sequence
Offer & COE
Secure your course offer and understand the deposit required for your CoE.English Evidence
If your offer or visa requires a test, book IELTS/PTE early and keep the receipt for your records. ail.edu.au+1OSHC
Purchase OSHC for your full intended stay (check dates carefully so you don’t leave gaps). Australian National UniversityHealth Examination
Wait for your HAP letter, then book your panel clinic/Bupa appointment. BupaBiometrics
If you receive a BIL, schedule VFS/ABCC and budget the local service fee. Immigration and citizenship WebsitePolice Certificates
Order AFP and any overseas certificates required. afp.gov.auFinancial Capacity
Prepare evidence that clearly covers living costs (AUD 29,710 for a single student), first-year tuition, travel, and any dependant-related costs. Immigration and citizenship WebsiteVisa Application Charge
Confirm the current VAC and additional applicant charges the day you pay, and ensure your card limit covers fees plus payment surcharges. Immigration and citizenship Website+2Hannan Tew Immigration Lawyers+2
FAQs
1) How much is the main fee on the Student (subclass 500) visa?
From AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant from 1 July 2025, unless you’re in an exemption group. Always verify on the Department’s site before lodging. Immigration and citizenship Website
2) What else should be in my Student visa cost Australia checklist besides the VAC?
Include OSHC, health exams, biometrics service fee (if requested), English test fees, police certificates, translations/certifications, tuition deposit/materials, and accommodation startup costs like bond and initial rent. afp.gov.au+5Australian National University+5Bupa+5
3) How much money do I need to show for living costs?
For a single student, the baseline 12-month living cost rose to AUD 29,710 on 10 May 2024. Add first-year tuition, travel, and any dependant amounts. Immigration and citizenship Website
4) Do I need biometrics and how much do they cost?
Many applicants must provide biometrics; if so, you’ll get a BIL after lodging. Collection is at a VFS/ABCC centre, and a local service fee applies that varies by country. Immigration and citizenship Website
5) Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
Generally no. VACs usually aren’t refunded if refused or withdrawn, except for limited scenarios listed by the Department. malaysia.highcommission.gov.au
Final Word
Use this page as your Student visa cost Australia checklist whenever you update your plan: confirm the current VAC and charges, align your OSHC dates with your course and visa, complete your health and character checks with receipts, and keep your accommodation research grounded in official tenancy guidance and real market listings. With a complete, realistic budget, lodging becomes far less stressful—and your arrival in Australia feels financially prepared.
