The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) application charge has been restructured into a new four-tier system effective from 1 March 2026. The changes affect all new applicants and represent a significant increase in costs for international graduates looking to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies.
The New Fee Structure
Under the previous system, there was a single application charge for all graduate visa applicants. The new structure introduces four tiers based on qualification level and stream:
- Tier 1 - Graduate Work Stream (trade qualifications): $3,200
- Tier 2 - Post-Study Work Stream (bachelor's degree): $3,900
- Tier 3 - Post-Study Work Stream (master's degree): $4,200
- Tier 4 - Post-Study Work Stream (doctoral degree): $4,600
These are base charges for primary applicants. Additional charges apply for secondary applicants (partners and dependants).
Why the Change?
The government has indicated that the tiered structure is designed to better reflect the processing costs and labour market value associated with different qualification levels. It also aligns with the broader migration system reforms aimed at attracting graduates in high-demand fields.
International students who are close to completing their studies should factor the increased fees into their post-study planning and budget accordingly.
Impact on Current Students
The new fees apply to applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026. Students who lodged their graduate visa application before this date will pay the previous fee. However, students who are still studying and plan to apply later in 2026 should be aware of the higher costs.
Planning Ahead
If you're an international student in Australia, the graduate visa is often the bridge between study and longer-term migration. While the fee increase adds to the cost, the visa itself remains a valuable pathway that provides 2-4 years of full work rights and the opportunity to gain Australian work experience.
Consider these steps to make the most of your graduate visa period:
- Start your skills assessment process before your student visa expires
- Target employers in your occupation field for potential sponsorship
- Improve your English score - it directly impacts your points for skilled migration
- Consider regional areas for additional points and less competitive invitation rounds