Australia maintains lower student visa fees for Vietnamese and ASEAN applicants

Under the new regulations, which took effect on July 1, 2026, the standard fee for the Student Visa (subclass 500) has increased from AUD2,000 (US$1,383) to AUD2,500 (US$1,729).

However, citizens of ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, will pay AUD2,050 (US$1,418), an increase of just AUD50 from the previous rate.

The tiered fee structure signals Australia’s continued view of ASEAN as a priority region in its international education strategy, with Vietnam regarded as one of the region’s important student markets.

According to Gina Nguyen, admissions manager at SET Education’s Sydney office, the fee increase for Vietnamese applicants is minimal compared with the broader adjustment and offers a clear advantage.

She said Vietnam’s inclusion in the lower-fee group reflects Australia’s flexibility and also points to ASEAN’s strategic importance in education cooperation.

Vietnamese students in Australia have consistently recorded strong academic performance, high course completion rates and positive contributions to both the education sector and the local labor market.

The new fee policy is expected to help Vietnam maintain its competitive position in the region while improving access for students seeking high-quality education in Australia.

Education cooperation between Vietnam and Australia within the ASEAN framework has also made further progress.

At a recent meeting between the ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC) and Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, Ambassador Pham Hung Tam, Chair of the ACC, proposed extending post-study work visas for master’s degree graduates from two years to three years.

Vietnam also suggested that Australia waive transit visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens, similar to policies already applied to several other ASEAN member states.

Tony Burke acknowledged the proposals and said Australia highly values its relations with Southeast Asian countries and hopes to further expand cooperation in education and workforce mobility.

Tony Burke acknowledged the proposals and reaffirmed his nation recognition of great importance to boosting ties with Southeast Asian countries, including cooperation in education and workforce mobility.

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