Australia has introduced major changes to its Student Visa (subclass 500) rules, affecting international students who want to apply from inside Australia or bring family members with them.
The new rules took effect on October 2, 2026. The Australian Government says the changes are designed to protect the integrity of the student visa system and keep its main focus on genuine temporary study.
Most Students Must Apply From Outside Australia
Under the new rules, most temporary visa holders can no longer switch to a Student Visa while they are already in Australia.
This includes people holding visas such as Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visas.
Most existing Student Visa holders also cannot apply for another Student Visa while staying in Australia unless they qualify for an exemption. If they are not exempt, they must leave Australia, apply from overseas and remain outside the country when the new visa is granted.
Who Is Exempt?
Some students can still apply from inside Australia. Exemptions include:
- Students sponsored by Australia’s DFAT or Department of Defence
- Doctoral degree students
- Primary and secondary school students
- Students affected by an education provider default
- Students needing up to 12 extra months to finish studies with the same provider
- Students progressing to a higher-level course after completing their main course
These exceptions are important for students planning further study in Australia.
New Rules for Spouse and Children
One of the biggest changes affects families.
From October 2, most applicants for a first or further Student Visa cannot include their partner or dependent children in their application.
Exemptions are available for doctoral students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, fully funded foreign-government scholarship recipients, and students sponsored by DFAT or Australia’s Department of Defence.
More importantly, family members cannot be added later as subsequent entrants after the Student Visa has been granted. The Department of Home Affairs says there are no exemptions to this subsequent-entrant restriction.
What About Existing Student Visas?
Students who already hold a valid Student Visa do not lose their current visa because of these changes.
Applications lodged before October 2, 2026 will also continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when they were submitted, including applications that already contained family members.
Australia Student Visa Cost and Work Rights
The official Home Affairs website currently lists the Student Visa application cost from AUD 2,500, although limited concessions apply.
Eligible students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. Different work arrangements apply to students studying a master’s by research or doctoral degree.
International students planning to study in Australia should now check the new rules carefully before arranging their visa, travel or family plans.
Official Australia Student Visa Information
