For international students from India and China, navigating the post-study pathway in Australia has reached a critical, high-stakes turning point. On March 1, 2026, the Department of Home Affairs implemented a staggering 100% fee hike on the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, making it one of the most expensive post-study permits in the world.

Because the $4,600 government fee is entirely non-refundable, an application refusal due to a technical error is a massive financial blow. This comprehensive cost breakdown helps you budget for every expense.

1. The Core Government Fees (Effective March 2026)

The Base Application Charge (VAC) doubled overnight from $2,300 to $4,600 AUD for primary applicants. The fee applies equally to Indian and Chinese passport holders (only specific Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens receive concessions).

If you are planning to apply with a partner or family, the secondary fees have also doubled:

• Primary Applicant: $4,600 AUD (₹252,000 INR / ¥21,500 CNY approximately, subject to exchange rates)
• Partner / Dependant (Aged 18+): $2,300 AUD
• Child Dependant (Under 18): $1,160 AUD
• ImmiAccount Credit Card Surcharge: ~1.4% (Adds roughly $64.40 AUD to a single application)

2. Mandatory Ancillary Costs

The $4,600 fee only gets your application into the system. To satisfy the strict 2026 “Decision-Ready” requirements, you must pay for these essential components before lodgement:

• English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS / PTE Academic):$410 – $445 AUD
  • 2026 Rule Change: Your test must be less than 1 year old at the time of your 485 lodgement, and the minimum required score has been raised to IELTS 6.5 overall (or PTE equivalent). Old test results from your initial student visa are no longer accepted.
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: $42 AUD (Mandatory for character requirements).
• Bupa Medical Exam / Health Assessments: $350 – $500 AUD per person.
• Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC): You must transition from your student OSHC to an eligible OVHC working visa policy. Expect to pay an upfront monthly premium of $150 – $300 AUD for a single applicant.

3. Region-Specific Document Costs

Depending on whether your home country is India or China, you will face distinct document gathering costs:

For Indian Students

• National Passport & Identity Checking: If you need an updated passport from the Indian VFS Global center in Australia, budget approximately $120 – $150 AUD.
• PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) from India: If requested by your agent or case officer via the Indian Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or VFS, expect $40 – $70 AUD.

For Chinese Students

• Notarial Certificates (公证书): Chinese graduation certificates, degrees, and birth certificates must be officially notarized in China. If using an agency or family back home to secure these, budget around ¥600 – ¥1,500 CNY ($130 – $320 AUD).
• NAATI Translation Services: Any document not explicitly issued in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator in Australia, averaging $40 – $60 AUD per page.

Total Estimated Budget: 2026 Expense Blueprint

4. The Age 35 Cut-off: A Silent Financial Risk

In tandem with the fee increase, the maximum eligible age for the Subclass 485 visa has been reduced from 50 to 35 years or under (with exceptions only for Masters by Research and PhD graduates). If you are approaching 35, there is absolutely zero room for an application error. A refusal means you will age out of eligibility before you can reapply, permanently losing your $4,600 investment.