Australia student visa changes, 2nd October 2026: Everything you need to know

According to the Department of Home Affairs (on 2 October 2026), new changes to Australian student visas affect who can apply for and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). These changes may affect students if they are:

• Applying for a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) in Australia.
   
• 500 visa holder applying for another Student visa in Australia
   
• Including family members in a Student visa application, or considering whether they can join later.

So, in this blog, let’s discuss some important Australian student visa changes. Without further ado, let’s start.

Learn about recent immigration policy in Australia and how it may affect 485 visa holders dependant, the “No Further Stay” condition, and, of course, working holiday visa holders.

Note: This is just an educational guide, not a professional opinion.

On 2nd October 2026, the Department of Home Affairs made huge changes to the Australian student visa. Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a student visa while onshore (unless exempted). These changes affect those applying while in Australia.

Students (already on student visas) may be able to apply (for another student visa) while in Australia if they meet one of the exemptions:

• Students need up to 12 months more after the original course end date to complete their studies. Students must study with the same provider. If they are studying packaged courses, the main course should be the one that needs more time.
   
• Students are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence.
   
• Students are applying to study for a PhD.
   
• Students are applying to do primary or secondary education (school studies).
   
• Students have completed a course (successfully) onshore and are applying to study a course at a higher AQF level.
   
• Students have completed school studies and are applying for a course without an AQF.
   
• Students have completed a course without an AQF and are now applying for a course with an AQF.
   
• Students cannot continue the course because the provider is in default.
   

Note: If you don't meet any of the exemptions under the Australian student visa changes, you may have to leave Australia to apply for a student visa and also for a visa grant. P.S. The changes do not affect current student visas.

Additionally, secondary student visa holders cannot apply for a student visa as a primary applicant.

If individuals hold the visas listed below as a primary or secondary holder, they cannot apply for a student visa in Australia. There are no exemptions to this rule.

• Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (all streams)
• Subclass 403 – (Domestic Worker – Diplomatic/Consular stream)
• Subclass 407 – Training (all streams)
• Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity (all streams)
• Subclass 417 – Working Holiday (all streams)
• Subclass 457 – Temporary Work (all streams)
• Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday (all streams)
• Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand / Temporary Skill Shortage (all streams)
• Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate
• Subclass 600 – Visitor
• Subclass 601 – ETA
• Subclass 602 – Medical Treatment
• Subclass 651 – eVisitor
• Subclass 771 – Transit
• Subclass 988 – Maritime Crew
• Subclass 995 – Diplomatic (Temporary) (primary only. A family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia)

Yes, dependants are no longer allowed under the Australian student visa changes. Exemption:

• PhD students
• ASEAN and Pacific Islands students
• Students sponsored by DFAT or Defence
• Students receiving foreign government scholarships

Note: Students whose dependants are already in Australia are not affected by this new dependants rule.

No, Students who applied before 2nd October 2026 are not affected by the recent Australian student visa changes. They will be assessed as per the previous rules.

Well, we are an ethical migration agent. We have a long track record of integrity and honesty. Our team includes multiple MARA-registered migration agents and QEAC-certified counsellors. We have over 10 years of experience guiding individuals toward their dreams. We can help you update or prepare documents, provide up-to-date information (regarding migration) and more. So, feel free to reach out to us.

• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/changes-to-student-visa-applications-factsheet.pdf
• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500