From 1 March, the cost of applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has doubled from $2,300 to $4,600.

This sudden increase places enormous financial pressure on recent international graduates, many of whom have already been navigating rising rent, food, and high tuition during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Graduates would have been saving carefully to apply, only to now face an unexpected additional $2,300 fee.


Support for students impacted by changes to the subclass 485 visa


Current students at The University of Melbourne planning to apply for an Australian visa (Subclass 485) may be eligible for Financial Aid to assist with meeting the updated cost of this visa. 

Depending on your circumstances, and taking into consideration any financial hardship or other significant financial challenges that you may be experiencing, the University may be able to support you with either:


• A Short-term loan of up to $1,000, which will generally be repaid within 6 months, and must be paid prior to your course completion. Short-term loans do not require a guarantor.
• A Long-term loan of up to $5,000, which must be repaid prior to your course completion. The loan amount is determined by the residency status of your guarantor.



For more information, please visit the Financial Aid website.

If you currently hold a loan with Financial Aid and would like to rearrange your payment due date, please contact your Financial Aid advisor to discuss.


Please note that recent graduates are not eligible for Financial Aid.

For recent graduates in need of food relief and help with other cost of living measures, we are working with the University to provide other supports in this financially difficult time. Please reach out to president@union.unimelb.edu.au for more information.


We stand with our international graduates.