This is a question that our counsellors frequently face from students choosing Australian Vocational Education and Training Qualifications. Thinking that it might be useful for you, we have covered this part here: 

When you’re considering an international move—whether for study, work, or migration—the costs can be daunting. Among the various expenses, the $1600 visa application fee might feel like a significant hurdle. Add to those other potential costs, such as documentation, health examinations, VFS, loss in refund, and other non-refundable expenses and you might be wondering: Is this a gamble or a solid investment in your future?

Let’s break it down so you can weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation.

The Application Fee: Just the Beginning

The $1600 visa application fee can feel like a substantial investment upfront. But think of it this way: This fee is your ticket to a new opportunity, a fresh chapter in your life. Whether you're aiming for better education, career prospects, or simply a new experience abroad, this fee is often the gateway to bigger possibilities.
Sure, it’s easy to look at it as a gamble when you're unsure of the outcome. But here's the thing: You’re investing in your future, in your dreams. The cost of a visa is often just a fraction of the total investment you're making in yourself. It's a small price for what could be a life-changing opportunity.
This is why you should choose the right professional to work together with you who can tell you to invest in or not to gamble. 

Visa Application Costs: A Tangible Investment in Your Career

Think about it: You’re not just paying for the right to live in a new country. You’re paying for access to global opportunities, new job markets, better education, and potentially higher earning potential. Consider the alternative: Staying in the same place with fewer prospects for growth. What’s that worth to you in terms of missed opportunities?
In many cases, the visa fee is a gateway to a better lifestyle, more diverse work experience, and education that could lead to higher-paying jobs in the future. Your investment could lead to career advancement, an expanded professional network, and even permanent residency in some cases, which offers long-term benefits. In this light, the $1600 visa fee is far less a gamble than an investment in your own future success.
Not to mention the cultural experiences and personal growth that come with living abroad—these are priceless. While these other expenses seem like obstacles, they’re investments in expanding your worldview, building resilience, and gaining skills you might not have had the chance to develop otherwise.

I am applying for the VET program, and I’ve heard that Visa Grant ratio is poor for VET applicants. So, Is It not a Gamble?

Let’s be honest: There is always some level of risk involved when making a big decision like applying for a visa and moving abroad. You don’t know exactly what the outcome will be. 
It’s understandable that concerns about visa approval rates can make the VET application process feel more like a gamble. While there are instances where the visa grant ratio for VET applicants has been less favorable compared to other visa categories, it's important to consider the broader context and strategic steps you can take to strengthen your application.

Understanding Visa Approval Rates for VET

Historically, visa approval rates for VET applicants have been impacted by several factors, including course choice, the student’s financial stability, and the perceived potential for the student to stay in the country after completing their studies. For instance, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has had a heightened focus on ensuring that applicants genuinely intend to study and not just use the visa as a way to remain in Australia long-term. As a result, some applicants for VET courses might find it harder to gain approval than those applying for higher education programs that are perceived as offering clearer career pathways.
However, this doesn't necessarily mean gambling. It just means you need to approach the process thoughtfully and strategically.

Factors to Strengthen Your Application

Choose the Right Course: Opting for a VET program that aligns with Australia’s critical skill shortages (Example: Childcare- 2025 Update), can make your application stronger. Australia has a demand for skilled workers in these fields, and taking a course in these sectors may improve your chances of approval.
Prove, you are a genuine student: The GST requirement ensures that applicants are genuinely intending to study and return home after their course. If you can demonstrate a clear and compelling link between the VET course and your long-term career goals, as well as ties to your home country, this could improve your chances of getting a visa.

Financial Stability: Demonstrating that you can financially support yourself while studying in Australia is crucial. Financial documents like proof of income supported by tax payment and bank statement help show that you're not relying on the possibility of finding work immediately after arriving.

Health Insurance and Other Documentation: Providing evidence of appropriate health insurance and meeting other visa requirements such as medical exams and character assessments can also strengthen your application.

Solid Career Plan: If you plan to seek employment in Australia after completing your VET program, showing a realistic pathway (such as applying for post-study work rights or working in an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List) can reassure authorities that you’re not overstaying your visa.

Visa Refusals Aren’t Set in Stone

If you do face a visa refusal, it’s not the end of the road. 

Conclusion: A Calculated Investment

While it’s true that the visa grant ratio for VET applicants may be more competitive, it’s not entirely a gamble if you take the right steps. With careful planning, transparent intentions, and the right course choice, your chances of visa approval can improve significantly.
The key is to ensure your application is well-prepared, showing your commitment to studying. Consider reaching out to us or professional and experienced education counsellors to help guide you through this process and minimize any risks associated with your application.

What’s the risk of staying put?

The job market in your home country might be saturated, and opportunities for growth might feel limited. If you’re an international student, you might find that a degree earned abroad opens more doors than a local qualification ever could. If you’re looking for work experience, some industries—such as tech, healthcare, or engineering—offer far more opportunities in countries like Australia, the UK, or Canada.
Sure, there are challenges and uncertainties, but isn’t that what life is about? The courage to step outside your comfort zone can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Reframing the Question: Investment in You

Instead of asking whether the visa application fee is a gamble, we encourage you to reframe the question: How much do you value your own growth?
A visa is not just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol of your commitment to your future. The $1600 fee represents the first step toward something bigger, whether that’s a world-class education, a global career, or the experience of living in a new culture. This is your investment in yourself. What’s the price of progress? For most people, it’s well worth it.

Final Thoughts: Turning the Tide

If you view this $1600 as a one-time gamble, it may seem like a lot. But if you see it as the first installment in your journey to success, the picture looks very different. You’re not gambling, you’re investing in a future that could be brighter, more fulfilling, and full of opportunities you’ve never imagined.
Every investment comes with its risks, but the rewards of gaining international experience, expanding your career prospects, and improving your quality of life often far outweigh the initial costs. So go ahead—take that step. It’s an investment that could pay dividends for the rest of your life.

But TAKE RIGHT STEPS!
Still Confused? Talk to our Qualified Education Agent Counselor today.