Crucial Notice: Changes to Australian Student Visa Applications
Updated: 5 minutes ago
From 2nd October 2026, the Australian Department of Home Affairs implemented major updates affecting who can apply for and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) whilst in Australia, alongside strict new rules regarding family members.
These changes do not alter current, valid student visas. However, they directly impact anyone planning to lodge a new application, extend their stay onshore, or bring family members to Australia.
1. Applying for a Student Visa Whilst in Australia
Restriction on Onshore Applications: Most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday visa holders currently in Australia, can no longer lodge an application for a Student visa (subclass 500) whilst onshore in Australia.
Offshore Requirement: If the new rules prevent you from applying onshore, you must be outside Australia both at the time you lodge your application and when your visa is granted.
Dependents Switching to Primary Applicants: Existing dependents on a student visa who wish to apply as a primary applicant are also subject to these onshore restrictions.
Exemptions for Student Visa Holders Applying Onshore
If you currently hold a Student visa, you may only lodge a further Student visa application whilst in Australia if you satisfy one of the following conditions:
Requiring Additional Time: You need up to 12 additional months past your original course completion date to finish your studies with the same education provider (or main course within a packaged offer). This can apply if you deferred your initial course start date or suspended your course during your studies.
Course Progression (AQF Levels):
You completed a main course with an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and are progressing to a course at a higher AQF level.
You completed school studies and are progressing to a non-AQF course.
You completed a non-AQF course and are progressing to an AQF-level course.
Higher Education / Special Courses: You are applying to study for a PhD or undertaking primary/secondary school studies.
Sponsorships & Provider Defaults: You are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence, or your education provider has defaulted (e.g. provider closed down).
2. Rules Regarding Family Members (Dependents)
Including Family at the Time of Application
Applicants can no longer include family members (partners or dependent children) in their Student visa application, unless one of the following exemptions applies:
You are studying for a PhD.
You are sponsored by DFAT or Defence.
You are in receipt of a foreign government scholarship.
You are an eligible student from a Pacific country or an ASEAN member country.
Existing Family Onshore: If you already have family members included on your current Student visa, you may include them in your next application when applying in Australia. Both the primary applicant and all family members must be in the same physical location when the application is lodged.
Subsequent Entrants (Adding Family Later)
Current Student visa holders can no longer add family members after their visa has been granted.
There are no exemptions to this rule.
3. Student Visa Applications Lodged Prior to 2nd October 2026
All Student visa applications lodged prior to 2nd October 2026 (including applications that included family members) will continue to be processed under the rules that were in force at the time of lodging.
Start Planning Your Future Now!
For international students considering to study in Australia, study-in-australia.com offers clear, up-to-date information to support every stage of the journey. Our website features CRICOS-registered courses, scholarship opportunities, campus and study location comparisons, and practical lifestyle insights designed specifically for student life in Australia.
We work closely with CRICOS-registered education providers, as well as migration agents and lawyers across Australia, to help students choose the right course, understand work opportunities during and after study, and feel confident throughout the application process. Whether you are pursuing a high-demand trade qualification or an advanced academic degree, our team is here to help you navigate these updates and secure your future in Australia.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and does not constitute formal legal, migration, or professional advice. Sourced and summarised from the Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/changes-to-student-visa-application-rules-500-590.
