The Department of Home Affairs asked students planning to study in Australia in 2026 to lodge a complete Student visa application as early as practical, following the Document Checklist Tool. It warns that incomplete applications may be refused and will be delayed, and that peak-period applications take longer.
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Department of Home Affairs
Studying in Australia in 2026 - Lodge now, lodge complete (opens in a new tab, external government website)Published · Checked by MATES
Before you act on this
Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.
From 5 October 2026, overseas students can no longer enrol in or commence the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning). Students who enrolled and commenced before that date can continue with their current provider. A CoE for students who have not commenced by then is cancelled on 5 October 2026.
The National Planning Level for new international student commencements in 2027 stays at 295,000, the same as 2026. The Government states it is not a cap: it shapes how quickly student visa applications are processed once a provider approaches its allocation.
From 1 July 2026 the base application charge for a Student visa (subclass 500) rose from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) charge rose from AUD 4,600 to AUD 5,750. Concessions apply to ASEAN passport holders and to independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses.
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