Student Visa (SC500) VAC Concessions for Pacific Island, Timor-Leste & ASEAN Nations (July 2026)
While many Australian visa fees increased on 1 July 2026, the Australian government has introduced a cost concession for students from our neighbouring regions. If you are a citizen of a Pacific Island nation, Timor-Leste, or an ASEAN country, you may be eligible for a lower Student (Subclass 500) visa application charge (VAC), reflecting Australia's commitment to strengthening educational ties within our region.
Who is Eligible for the Student (SC500) Visa Concession?
The fee concession applies to primary applicants who hold a valid passport from specific countries. Crucially, if the primary applicant qualifies for the lower fee, their accompanying family members (dependents) will also receive the lower VAC. You can calculate your Student (SC500) visa VAC by using the Department’s visa pricing estimate calculator.
Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste Nations
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Eligible ASEAN Nations
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Indonesia
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Timor-Leste (Note: handled under the Pacific Island rate)
Student (SC500) Visa Concession for Specific Study Sectors
In addition to the geographic concessions, the government has confirmed that the lower VAC also applies to valid Student (SC500) visa applications in the following sectors:
Independent ELICOS sector for students coming to Australia solely to study English.
Non-Award sector for students participating in non-degree courses or exchange programs.
How to Claim the Student Visa VAC Concession?
No action is required for you to claim the concession; it will apply automatically on and after 1 July 2026 provided you meet the eligibility. When you lodge your application online through ImmiAccount, the system will recognise your nationality based on the passport details you provide. The lower VAC will then be calculated during the payment step.
Important Reminders for Students
To receive the concession, you must hold a valid passport from one of the listed countries at the time of application.
Even though the fee is lower, the Department’s strict assessment remains. Ensure you have your supporting documents ready to meet the genuine student (GS) criteria and have a decision-ready application.
Providing incorrect or false information can trigger Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020, which may result in a visa refusal and a visa ban. Read: Don’t Do – Fake Documents for Visa Applications.
Related: Student Visa (Subclass 500) Document Checklist
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Top Tips for Your Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) Application
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need assistance with a visa pathway, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and in the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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