New changes will affect how certain applicants can apply for Student visa (subclass 500), whether they can apply while in Australia, and whether they can include family members in their applications , from 2 October 2026.
These changes impact international students in Australia and those looking to come to Australia to study or extend their student status. These changes will also impact Working Holiday Visa holders looking to study in Australia, as well as students hoping to bring their family members to Australia.
If you plan to come to Australia to study or continue your studies in Australia, it is important to familiarize yourself with these changes before making any travel or financial arrangements.
What has changed in Australia’s Student visa rules?
The Australian government has unveiled new reforms to strengthen the integrity of the student visa system and reduce the misuse of temporary visas.
Reforms include:
● Restricting applicants in Australia to apply for a Student visa
● New conditions for certain applicants to be outside of Australia until their visa is granted.
● Tightening rules for dependent partners and children in Student visas.
● Providing exceptions for certain student categories and family situations.
● Other conditions for Student visa applicants already in Australia.
These changes will not prevent international students from studying in Australia. However, individuals will have to check if their visa, selected course and personal situation meets the new requirements.
1. Most Student visa applications must now be lodged offshore
There have been major changes for people wishing to apply for a student visa while they are in Australia.
From 2 October 2026 most student visa applications will be required to be lodged outside Australia. A person will be exempt from this requirement and allowed to make the application while they are in Australia if they hold a certain eligible visa.
These changes mean that people can no longer assume they will be able to move from one temporary visa to a student visa without needing to leave Australia.
For example, a person on a Working Holiday visa who wants to do a longer qualification will not be able to assume they can apply for a student visa while they are in Australia. They will need to check the rules relating to their current visa.
The same assumption will not be able to be made by other people on visitor, temporary worker or other student visas.
2. Some applicants must remain outside Australia until their visa is granted
Meeting the offshore application requirement means more than just making an application from outside Australia.
Where an applicant is required to apply for the visa from outside Australia, they will not be granted the visa to go to Australia until they are outside of Australia.
Student visas allow the holder to study in Australia. A person is able to apply for a Student visa while holding a different, valid visa. The person may still be able to travel to Australia on the other visa while their Student visa application is processed, however, they must still meet the offshore Student visa grant requirement. An offshore Student visa application, by itself, does not give a person the right to travel to Australia, or the right to remain in Australia.
Applicants should consider how long their current visa is valid for, as well as how long it might take for their Student visa application to be processed, before making travel plans.
3. New restrictions on bringing family members
This will impact students that wish to move to Australia with their spouse and children, as well as students who wish to come to Australia for study and then have their spouse and children join them at a later date.
In some cases, the spouse and children of Doctorate level students may be included if the student is government sponsored. Students from specific countries may also be exempt.
Rules around these elmmptions and exemptions are complex. Simply being married, or having children, does not mean an exemption applies.
Students need to consider these rules before finalising their education and accommodation plans, as well as plans to relocate their family.
4. Can current Student visa holders apply for another Student visa?
Some students need a further Student visa because they want to continue studying, progress to another qualification or complete their existing course.
Change to rules for Student Visa holders means that many will need to assess their eligibility for one of the specified onshore exceptions before they lodge a further Student visa application from within Australia.
Exceptions include completion of studies, course progression and default of education provider and enrollment in an eligible doctoral degree.
These exceptions contain legal conditions. In general, students should not assume that they are able to apply onshore just because they are enrolled in a new course of study.
To apply for a Student visa, you need to assess the conditions of your current visa, your course history and enrolment details and the specified exceptions.
5. What happens to applications lodged before 2 October 2026?
The Department of Home Affairs has stated that student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026 (including applications that include family members) will be assessed under the rules that applied when the applications were lodged.
This “temporary” transitional measure is important for applicants whose applications were already submitted before the changes commenced.
If you submitted your application around this time, keep evidence of your lodgment and check any correspondence from the Department.
6. What should students do before applying?
If you are planning to apply for a Student visa, extend your stay or include family members, consider the following steps:
𝟏. Check the conditions of your current Student visa including the subclass and when it expires.
𝟐. Check where you can apply. Do you need to be offshore to apply?
𝟑. Review family eligibility. See if you qualify for an exemption to include your partner and/or children.
𝟒. Review your course plans. Assess if a specific onshore exception applies to you if you are applying for another Student visa.
𝟓. Plan your travel. Think about the offshore grant requirement and conditions of other visas you may hold.
𝟔. Use official information. Check the current Home Affairs information and relevant legal tools before finalizing your plans.
Frequently asked questions
1. When did the new Australian Student visa rules start?
The new rules commenced on 2 October 2026.
2. Can I apply for a Student visa while I am in Australia?
Most applicants will need to apply from outside Australia. Onshore applications are restricted to persons who have an eligible visa and an applicable exemption.
3. Can I bring my spouse or children to Australia on a Student visa?
Only in specified circumstances under the revised family rules. Applicants should check whether they qualify for an exemption before planning a family application.
4. Do the changes affect applications lodged before 2 October 2026?
The Department states that applications lodged before this date continue to be assessed under the rules that applied on the lodgement date.
5. Where can I check the official rules?
Start with the Department of Home Affairs’ Student visa changes page and the relevant instruments on the Federal Register of Legislation.
Final thoughts
Australia’s Student visa changes make it more important than ever to understand your eligibility before applying. Whether you are planning your first course, continuing your studies or arranging a family move, checking the rules early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
