Temporary Graduate Visa Fee Increase.
On 22 July 2026, the AUSA Board resolved to oppose the recent increases to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application charge imposed by the Australian Federal Government. We consider these increases to be unfair, excessive, and contrary to the interests of students, in particular international students, and recent graduates who rely on the 485-visa as a critical post-study pathway to remain in Australia to gain employment experience, and transition from education into the workforce.
485-visa application charges have increased rapidly, rising from $1,945 to $2,235 in February 2025, then to $4,600 in March 2026, and again to $5,750 in July 2026 for most primary applicants. This represents an almost 300% fee increase in less than 18 months and creates significant financial barriers for graduates at a time when many are already facing tuition debt, housing pressures, relocation costs, and uncertainty in securing employment. Even more concerning is the fact that this is only a visa application fee, which means it is non-refundable if applications are unsuccessful.
These fee changes undermine the accessibility of post-study work opportunities in Australia and risk diminishing the attractiveness of Australian higher education to current and prospective international students.
As a student led organisation, AUSA supports fair and accessible migration settings for graduates, we will always stand by our students from diverse backgrounds, and we call on the Australian Federal Government to reconsider and reverse the recent increases to the 485-visa application charge.
We also call on Adelaide University to increase financial hardship and emergency grants for both domestic and international students, as well as expand the eligibility to encompass international students affected by the increase to the 485-visa. We believe that increasing financial aid to students struggling through financial hardship is an essential step in helping offset excessive study costs and ensuring that global perspectives and diversity at our university is valued and protected.