International students planning to stay and work in Australia after graduation should be aware of a recent visa cost increase.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to remain in Australia after completing their studies. It provides an opportunity to gain work experience and build a career in Australia.
In 2026, the Australian government significantly increased the application fee for the 485 visa. This change is already in effect and affects new applicants.
In this guide, we explain the new 485 visa fees, how they compare to previous charges, and what students should consider before applying.
What Is the Australia 485 Temporary Graduate Visa?
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) is a post-study work visa for international students who have completed an eligible qualification in Australia.
This visa allows graduates to:
- Stay in Australia after completing their studies
- Work full-time
- Gain professional experience
- Explore future migration pathways
The visa is commonly used by international graduates who want to build their work experience in Australia before applying for skilled migration or other long-term visas.
Australia 485 Visa Fee Increase (2026)
The Australian government has introduced a major increase in the visa application charges for the Temporary Graduate Visa.
The base application fee for the main applicant has doubled, making the visa significantly more expensive than before.
485 Visa Fee Comparison (Before vs After)
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 2,300 | AUD 4,600 |
| Additional applicant (18+) | AUD 1,150 | AUD 2,300 |
| Additional applicant (Under 18) | AUD 580 | AUD 1,160 |
The increase means international graduates now need to budget significantly more when planning to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
Additional Costs to Consider
The visa application charge is only one part of the total cost. Students may also need to budget for other requirements, such as:
- English language test (IELTS, PTE or similar)
- Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Document translation or certification
Depending on the situation, the total cost of applying for a 485 visa can be significantly higher than the base visa fee.
Who Can Apply for the 485 Visa?
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, international students usually need to:
- Be under 35 years old (with some exceptions)
- Have completed an eligible qualification in Australia
- Meet the Australian study requirement
- Demonstrate the required English language proficiency
- Apply within 6 months of completing their course
Applicants must also hold or have recently held a valid Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
What This Means for International Students
The increase in the 485 visa fee means that students should carefully plan their finances if they want to stay in Australia after graduation.
Before applying for the visa, students should:
-
Check the latest visa fees and requirements
-
Budget for additional application costs
-
Prepare documents early
-
Seek professional guidance if needed
Although the cost has increased, the Temporary Graduate Visa remains an important pathway for international students who want to gain work experience in Australia after their studies.
Need Advice About Studying Abroad?
If you are considering studying abroad and want to understand your study and post-study work options, professional guidance can help you make informed decisions.
At Atava Education & Training, we support international students with:
- University applications
- Course selection
- Student visa guidance
You can contact our team to learn more about studying abroad and your available options.