Whether you’re mapping out your Australian migration pathway or guiding clients through skill assessments, staying on top of the latest VETASSESS fee changes is crucial. With updated pricing coming into effect on October 22, 2025, this guide unpacks every new fee, adds context on why these changes matter, and offers practical steps to keep your application smooth and affordable.

Why Do VETASSESS Fees Change?

Australia’s skill assessment authority, VETASSESS, regularly reviews and updates its pricing to cover operational costs, improve processing times, and ensure top-tier assessment quality. Fee adjustments reflect inflation, enhanced services, and the growing demand from international skilled migrants, graduates, and agents. Knowing these updates isn’t just about budgeting—it’s about controlling your migration journey and avoiding unexpected hurdles.

1. Full Skills Assessment: Core Changes

Whether for general migration, Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA), or Industry Labour Agreements (ILA), the full skills assessment is central to many applicants:

• Old Fee: AUD $1070
• New Fee: AUD $1096

What does this include?

• Comprehensive review of your qualifications, work history, and supporting documents against Australian standards.
• Suitable for most general skilled migration streams, DAMA, and ILA applicants.

2. Priority Processing & Fast-Track Services

Need your results in a hurry? Priority processing offers a speedier turnaround.

• Old Supplementary Fee: AUD $806
• New Supplementary Fee: AUD $825

3. Post-485 Assessments, Renewals, and More

If you’ve graduated from an Australian institution and are using the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) pathway:

• Post-485 Assessment (same occupation): AUD $852 (up from AUD $832)
• Renewal of Skills Assessment: AUD $473 (up from AUD $462)
• Reassessments for those changing occupations now cost: AUD $745 (up from $728).

4. Reviews, Appeals, and Reassessments—Detailed Breakdown

Not thrilled with your initial result? Or need to dispute a decision?

Post-Vocational Education Work Visa (Subclass 485)

• AUD $ $416 (previously AUD $406)
• Review – Post-Vocational Education Work Visa: AUD $265 (previously AUD $259)
• Change of Occupation – Post -Vocational Education Work Visa: AUD $379 (previously $370)

Review of Assessment Outcome: (within 90-day time frame) (including DAMA & ILA)

Qualification only review:

• Qualification outcome for initial application – Negative (not highly relevant or not at the required level) & Employment outcome for initial application – Negative due to qualification : AUD $340 (was $332)

Employment only review:

• Qualification outcome for initial application – Positive & Employment outcome for initial application – Negative due to any reason (except qualification) : AUD $609 (was $595)

Both qualification and employment:

• Qualification outcome for initial application – Negative (not highly relevant or not at the required level) & Employment outcome for initial application – Negative due to any reason (including qualification) : AUD $913 (was $892)

Appeal Fee:

• AUD $1,082 (previously $1,057)

Action Point: These services are vital for applicants who receive a negative or unexpected outcome—prepare your supporting evidence thoroughly before applying for review or appeal.

5. Specialized & Administrative Fees (with Examples)

Beyond mainstream assessments, a spectrum of support services, verifications, and admin fees apply:

• Skills Assessment Support Consultations (for migration agents/lawyers): AUD $371
• Applicant Consultation: AUD $262
• Document Checking Service: AUD $171
• Chinese Qualifications Verification: Degree certificate and graduation certificate services both move to AUD $148; transcript checks now at $182.
• Qualification Comparison Service: AUD $285

Admin Fees:

• Reopening Closed Application: AUD $171
• Reissue of Outcome Letter: AUD $75
• Refund Processing: Ranges from AUD $34 to $171, depending on type and amount.

A diverse range of specialized assessments (e.g., CHT, PACFA, QCS) also see incremental increases—these are relevant for niche industry recognition or alternate regulatory pathways.

6. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reminder

All the above figures exclude Australian GST, meaning applicable taxes will be added for domestic applications or service provisions involving Australian entities.

Practical Tips for 2025 Applicants & Professionals

• Start Early: Fee changes coincide with peak application cycles, so plan your submissions before October if you want to secure current pricing.
• Budget Accurately: Use the updated fee chart as your planning baseline—factor every potential review, appeal, or consultation.
• Stay Updated: VETASSESS maintains live fee schedules; always check the official site before lodging applications to avoid surprises.
• Document Perfection: The quality and completeness of evidence directly impact both turnaround times and outcomes—prioritize document gathering and professional checks.
• Engage with Professionals: Migration agents/lawyers stay in demand during fee update cycles—leveraging their expertise can slash rework and increase approval chances.
• Fee Waivers or Concessions: Currently, VETASSESS does not advertise regular fee waivers, so exceptions are rare—plan payments accordingly.

What These Changes Mean: The Bigger Picture

Whether you’re an applicant, agent, or international graduate, VETASSESS fee updates shape your migration journey’s timeline, cost structure, and paperwork strategy. These changes are small investments compared to the opportunity Australia offers—but knowing them now gives you the power to plan with confidence and peace of mind.