1. The “Entry & Exit” Visa Tax

In 2026, the cost of just “holding” a visa has jumped.

• The Entrance: The Student Visa (Subclass 500) fee is now $2,000 AUD, a 25% increase from last year.
• The Exit (The Big One): If your child plans to work in Australia after graduation, the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) fee doubled on March 1, 2026, to $4,600 AUD. Parents should budget for this “exit cost” now to ensure their child isn’t stranded after finishing their degree.

2. Mandatory Health Cover (OSHC) “Gaps”

While Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory (approx. $600–$800/year for singles), it rarely covers everything. (Proof of Funds Australia 2026: Financial Checklist for Families)

• The “Gap” Payment: Most OSHC providers only pay 100% of the Government Scheduled Fee. If a doctor charges $100 for a visit and the schedule says $42, you pay the $58 difference out of pocket.
• Exclusions: Standard 2026 policies usually exclude dental, optical, and physiotherapy unless you pay for “Extras” (an additional $200–$400/year).

3. The “Compliance” Bundle (Medical & Biometrics)

Before the visa is even granted, there are several mandatory “verification” costs:

• Medical Exams: Expect to pay $450–$650 AUD (approx. ₹25,000–₹36,000) for chest X-rays and blood tests at approved panel physicians.
• Biometrics: VFS Global and other centers charge around $50–$100 AUD per person for fingerprinting and iris scans.

4. The “No-Concession” Transport Trap

Parents often assume their child will get “Student Prices” on everything. However, in 2026:

• State Restrictions: International students in New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne) are generally not eligible for the same transport concessions as local students.
• Monthly Impact: A student in Sydney might pay the full adult rate of $200+ per month for trains and buses, compared to just $100 in cities like Adelaide or Perth that offer international concessions.

5. Study-Specific “Material Fees”

The tuition fee covers the lectures, but not the tools.

• Textbooks & Software: For IT, Design, or Engineering students, specialized software licenses and textbooks can add $1,000–$1,500 annually.
• The 2026 “Tech Levy”: Many universities have introduced small “Student Services and Amenities Fees” (SSAF) of approx. $350/year to cover campus Wi-Fi, gym access, and support services.

The 2026 “Hidden” Budget Summary