The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) and UMSU International (UMSU-I) condemn the Federal Government's decision to once again increase the cost of student visas.

Effective from 1 July 2026, the Student Visa (Subclass 500) application fee has increased from $2,050 to $2,500, while the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) application fee has risen from $4,600 to $5,750, a 25% increase and the second fee hike in just four months. 

At a time when students are already struggling with rising rent, food prices, transport costs and international tuition fees, this decision places yet another significant financial burden on international students. These increases continue a concerning pattern of treating international students as a source of revenue rather than valued members of our university communities. 

These continued fee increases risk making Australia a less accessible destination for international students. UMSU and UMSU-I will continue advocating for policies that recognise, support, and value international students, rather than creating further barriers to studying in Australia.