Why is the Australia student visa fee so high in 2026?
The visa fee for the Subclass 500 has increased to AUD 2,000 (approx. ₹1.1L). The Australian government implemented this increase to fund the high-integrity processing system and to ensure that only serious, financially stable students apply. This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.
What is the new “Age 35” rule for the Graduate Visa (485)?
As of 2026, the age limit for the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) has been reduced from 50 to 35 years.
The Exception: If you are a Masters by Research or PhD graduate, you are still eligible to apply up until the age of 50. For everyone else (Bachelors and Coursework Masters), you must be 35 or younger at the time of application.
Exactly how much "show money" do I need for 2026?
You must prove access to a minimum of AUD 29,710 (approx. ₹16.5L) for one year of living expenses.
Calculation: Total Funds = [1 Year Tuition Fees] + [AUD 29,710 Living Costs] + [AUD 2,000 Travel].
Note: India is currently classified under a higher evidence level, meaning bank statements must show a 3-month history and the source of funds must be crystal clear.
Can I still work unlimited hours as a student?
No. The COVID-era unlimited work rights have ended. In 2026, international students can work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during the semester. You still have unlimited work rights during official university breaks.
Exception: Masters by Research and PhD students have no work hour restrictions.
What happened to the “2-Year Extension” for Skill Shortage courses?
The automatic 2-year extension for certain degrees (such as IT or Engineering) introduced in 2023 has been abolished.
Current Stay-Back: 2 years for Bachelors/Masters (Coursework) and 3 years for Masters (Research).
Regional Bonus: You can still get an extra 1–2 years if you study and live in a designated regional area (Category 2 or 3 cities like Perth or Adelaide).
What is the “Genuine Student” (GS) test?
Replacing the old GTE, the GS test is a set of targeted questions in your visa application. You must explain your choice of course, how it benefits your career in India, and prove you have researched the Australian job market. Generic or AI-generated answers are a major cause of visa rejections in 2026.