500 Student Visa Cost Calculator 2024
500 Student visa costs in 2024: mandatory Home Affairs fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a 500 Student visa in 2024? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — Home Affairs filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 500 Student
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 500 Student application in 2024.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$2,500 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$650 – A$2,600 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the 500 Student
- 1
Get a Confirmation of Enrolment
Accept an offer from a CRICOS-registered provider; CoE issues via PRISMS.
- 2
Prepare a Genuine Student statement
Written statement plus supporting evidence of study motivation and post-study plans (replaced GTE in March 2024).
- 3
Lodge the application
Online with financial and health evidence, including OSHC and proof of funds.
- 4
Complete health checks
Biometrics/medical exams as requested.
Typical processing time: Roughly half of applications process within about a month, with 90% within ~8 weeks for most institutions.
Documents you'll need
- Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered institution
- Genuine Student statement and supporting evidence
- Evidence of financial capacity (~AUD 29,710/year living costs as of 2026, plus tuition)
- Overseas Student Health Cover for the full visa duration
- English language proficiency evidence
Common mistakes to avoid
- Generic Genuine Student statements not tailored to the applicant's actual background
- Course choice not logically connected to prior study or career trajectory
- Weak or inconsistent financial evidence
- Unexplained study gaps or undisclosed prior visa refusals/cancellations
Sources: Home Affairs — Student visa 500
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$2,500 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$3,150 – A$5,100 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$3,560 – A$9,950 |
How to save money on your 500 Student
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$650–A$2,600.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
500 Student cost FAQ (2024)
How much does a 500 Student visa cost in 2024?
The total estimated cost of a 500 Student visa in 2024 ranges from about A$3,150 to A$9,950, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 500 Student application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 500 Student visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 500 Student visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 500 Student visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 500 Student visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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