New Australia student visa changes took effect on 2 October 2026. Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia, and most new international students can no longer include family members in their application. The rules are set out on the Australian government’s Study Australia site. Current Student visa holders are not affected, and applications lodged before 2 October are assessed under the old rules.
In this report
- Onshore applications
- Family members
- Changing providers
- What is still to come
- What applicants should do
- Australia student visa questions
Who can no longer apply from inside Australia
According to Study Australia, working holiday and Skills in Demand visa holders are among those who must now apply from overseas, and they must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Student visa holders generally cannot lodge another Student visa application onshore either. The exemptions listed include students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence, doctoral, primary and secondary study, students who need up to 12 more months with the same provider, those moving from a completed course to a higher level, and cases where a provider has defaulted. ICEF Monitor reports that the list of affected visa classes widened between the 17 September announcement and the start date.
Family members
For a first or further Student visa, family members generally cannot be included unless an exemption applies. Study Australia lists doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, recipients of fully funded foreign government scholarships, and DFAT or Defence-sponsored students. Families already in Australia can be included in a new application if they were on the earlier visa or application before 2 October and the student is eligible to apply onshore. Family members cannot be added after a Student visa is granted, and that rule has no exemptions. ICEF notes that one source describes the dependant restriction as having “no exceptions” while listing exemptions, so rely on the government wording.
Consider a hypothetical case. Arjun is an Indian master’s applicant who planned to bring his spouse. Unless he qualifies for an exemption, such as a doctoral place or a qualifying scholarship, the new rules mean he should plan on applying without her. He should confirm his category on the government site or with a registered migration agent before paying any fee.
Changing providers
ICEF reports that non-school students must now stay with their principal course provider for 12 months before transferring, up from six, until a new transfer stream begins on 1 July 2027. Transfers are limited to courses at the same level or higher, and moving from higher education to vocational training onshore is no longer allowed. Business Today reports the same 12-month rule. If a course or provider turns out to be unsuitable, you may have to stay enrolled longer before moving.
What is still to come
Study Australia says a Transfer stream within the Student visa is planned, with details still in development. Family restrictions for Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) applicants will also be introduced, with no timing given. The page adds that the 485 application charge rose to A$5,750 on 1 July 2026, with applicants from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste and ASEAN states excluded from the increase. For earlier changes, see our reports on Australian visa application charges and the skilled visa salary thresholds.
What applicants should do
Check whether you are inside or outside Australia when you plan to lodge, whether you fit an exemption, and whether your family can travel with you. Keep evidence of any earlier lodgement date. If you are comparing destinations, our visa eligibility checker can help you check your options. Anything that depends on your own circumstances is a question for a registered migration agent.
Australia student visa questions
When did the Australia student visa changes start?
They took effect on 2 October 2026 for applications lodged from that date. Applications lodged earlier are assessed under the rules at lodgement.
Can a visitor or working holiday maker apply for a Student visa in Australia now?
Generally no. Study Australia says most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia and must apply from overseas.
Can I bring my family on a Student visa?
Generally not, unless an exemption applies. Study Australia lists doctoral students, Pacific and ASEAN nationals, some fully funded foreign government scholarship holders and DFAT or Defence-sponsored students.
Can I add family after my visa is granted?
No. Study Australia says family members cannot be added after a Student visa is granted and that this rule has no exemptions.
How long must I stay with my provider before switching?
ICEF reports 12 months for non-school students until 1 July 2027, when a new transfer stream starts.
Are current Student visa holders affected?
Study Australia says current Student visa holders are not affected by these changes.
Sources
- Study Australia — Student visa changes: October 2026. https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/student-visa-changes-october-2026
- ICEF Monitor — Australia: new rules now in force for accompanying dependants and onshore student visa applications. https://monitor.icef.com/2026/10/australia-new-rules-now-in-force-for-accompanying-dependants-and-onshore-student-visa-applications/
- Business Today — Australia ends visa hopping: how new rules affect Indian students. https://www.businesstoday.in/nri/visa/story/australia-ends-visa-hopping-how-new-rules-affect-indian-students-from-october-2-559312-2026-10-03
