Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485): Overview for Nigerians ₦2,246,576
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Australia. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦1,957,801 (~$1,435 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦29,083,131 (~$21,318 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦288,776 (~$212 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦2,246,576 (~$1,647 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 3 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 4–8 weeks (student visa), 4–6 months (485 visa)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, language test result.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦2,246,576 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 4–8 weeks (student visa), 4–6 months (485 visa).
Expert tip
Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485)
The student visa (500) fee is A$2,000 since July 2025 — a 25% jump from the previous A$1,600. You must prove access to A$29,710/year for living expenses plus tuition fees (A$20,000–$50,000/year depending on course and university). OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and costs A$624–$900/year for a single student. The real shock: the post-study work visa (485) fee doubled to A$4,600 in March 2026 with zero warning. The 485 now gives 18 months–3 years of post-study work rights (down from 4–6), and the age limit dropped from 50 to 35. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time on a student visa. Group of Eight universities carry the most weight for employment, but regional universities can earn you extra PR points.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) cost for Nigerians moving to Australia?
- Total government fees for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) are ₦2,246,576 (about $1,647). This includes the visa application fee, health surcharge, language test, and credential evaluation where applicable.
- How long does Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) for Nigerian applicants is 4–8 weeks (student visa), 4–6 months (485 visa).
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485)?
- You need to show ₦29,083,131 ($21,318) in proof of funds for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485). This is your own money in a bank account — you do not pay it to the government.
- What is the most important tip for Student Visa (Subclass 500) + Post-Study Work (485) applicants from Nigeria?
- The student visa (500) fee is A$2,000 since July 2025 — a 25% jump from the previous A$1,600. You must prove access to A$29,710/year for living expenses plus tuition fees (A$20,000–$50,000/year depending on course and university). OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory and costs A$624–$900/year for a single student. The real shock: the post-study work visa (485) fee doubled to A$4,600 in March 2026 with zero warning. The 485 now gives 18 months–3 years of post-study work rights (down from 4–6), and the age limit dropped from 50 to 35. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time on a student visa. Group of Eight universities carry the most weight for employment, but regional universities can earn you extra PR points.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Australia.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 3 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02