Australia Student Visa Updates 2026: New Fees, Work Rights and 2027 Intake

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Updated: 21 September 2026

Students planning to study in Australia should review several important changes introduced during 2026. These updates affect visa application costs, permitted working hours, minimum pay rates and how offshore student visa applications may be prioritised for the 2027 intake.

Here is a clear summary of what prospective and current international students need to know.

1. Australia’s Student Visa fee increased in July 2026

From 1 July 2026, the base application charge for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 for most applicants.

The Australian Government has announced concessions for certain passport holders and selected study categories. Students should therefore check the fee that applies to their individual application before making payment.

The Temporary Graduate visa application charge also increased from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750 from 1 July 2026, subject to applicable concessions.

2. Students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight

Most international students holding a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Students may generally work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to their individual visa conditions.

Students who have started a master’s degree by research or a doctoral degree are not subject to the standard 48-hour limit after their course has commenced.

Every student should check the conditions attached to their own visa through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). Working beyond the permitted limit may place a student visa at risk.

3. Australia’s National Minimum Wage is now AUD 26.44 per hour

Australia’s National Minimum Wage increased to AUD 26.44 per hour, or AUD 1,004.90 per week based on a 38-hour full-time week, from 1 July 2026.

Many student jobs are covered by an industry or occupation award. Award rates and conditions can differ from the National Minimum Wage, so students should use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to check the correct rate for their role.

International students have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers in Australia. Employers cannot lawfully pay a lower rate simply because a worker holds a student visa.

4. New protections for eligible delivery workers

From 17 August 2026, eligible workers completing food and grocery deliveries through digital platforms became covered by new minimum standards. The Australian Government’s Study Australia guidance states that minimum pay rates for covered workers start at AUD 31.30 per hour of engaged time.

The rules do not necessarily apply to every platform, worker or hour spent logged into an app. Students working in delivery roles should confirm whether they are covered through the Fair Work Ombudsman.

5. Australia confirmed its 2027 international education planning level

The Australian Government confirmed a 2027 National Planning Level of 295,000 new overseas student commencements, the same level as 2026.

Importantly, this planning level is not described as a total cap on student numbers. It supports the system used to prioritise offshore Student visa applications. Applications may continue to be accepted after an education provider reaches its prioritisation threshold, although processing may become slower.

Students should apply early, choose a suitable registered education provider and submit a complete application with accurate documents.

What should students do now?

Confirm that the institution and course match your academic and career goals.
Check the current Student visa fee before payment.
Budget for tuition, health cover, accommodation, living expenses and travel—not only the visa fee.
Review your work conditions in VEVO before starting a job.
Check the correct minimum wage or award rate for your role.
Prepare a complete application and avoid unverified documents or unsupported claims.
Apply with enough time for assessment before the proposed course commencement date.

Planning to study in Australia from Oman?

Yuwin Consultants can assist students with course and institution selection, admissions guidance, document preparation and Student visa application support based on the applicant’s profile and current requirements.

Book a consultation with Yuwin Consultants to discuss your study plans.

Official sources

Disclaimer: Visa requirements, fees, processing arrangements and work conditions can change. Eligibility and outcomes depend on the applicant’s profile, documents and current government rules. Yuwin Consultants provides consultation and documentation assistance and does not guarantee admission, employment, processing time or visa approval. Final decisions are made by the relevant institution and Australian Government authorities.