Starting 22 March 2025, Australia will introduce a visa application charge (VAC) reduction for Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) applicants from Pacific nations and Timor-Leste. This change replaces the previous refund system with an upfront fee reduction, making it easier for eligible students to access Australian education.
Who is Eligible?
The reduced Student Visa fees apply to applicants with valid passports from these Pacific nations and Timor-Leste:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Key Changes to Student Visa Fees
- Immediate Fee Reduction – Eligible applicants will pay a lower visa application charge (VAC) upfront, avoiding later refunds.
- Transition Period – Applicants who applied between 1 July 2024 and 21 March 2025 can still request a partial refund until 22 June 2025.
- Reduced Fees – The updated charges for eligible applicants are:
New Student Visa Application Charges
| Visa Component | Reduced Fee |
| Primary Applicant (Subclass 500 or 590) | $710 |
| Additional Applicant (18+ years old) | $530 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18 years old) | $175 |
Why This Matters
This initiative strengthens Australia’s educational ties with Pacific nations and Timor-Leste, making studying in Australia more accessible and affordable for international students.
Need Help With Your Student Visa Application?
Applying for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) or Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)? NB Migration Law offers expert legal advice and visa assistance.
📞 Contact us today to ensure a smooth visa application process!