Student dependants no longer allowed, as of 2nd October, 2026

Dependants no longer allowed? Yes, according to the new Australian student dependant visa rule, international students (with certain exceptions) will no longer be able to bring their dependants to Australia. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into who is affected, and what the next steps could be. So, let’s get started.

Watch the full announcement below. For a quick summary, please read our blog for the important points.

Under the new student dependant visa rule in Australia, future international students (with exceptions) will not be able to bring dependants to Australia. Exemption (i.e., they can bring their dependants to Australia):

• Only students from certain countries (listed in the table)
• Students sponsored by DFAT or Defence
• Students receiving a foreign government scholarships
• PhD students.

Note: New rules doesn't exempt Master of Research students. Read the official factsheet by the Department of Home Affairs.

Learn what this immigration policy change may mean for Temporary Graduate visa holders' dependants and Working Holiday visa holders. Also learn about recent (2nd October 2026) Australia student visa changes.

According to this new student dependant visa rule, it is no longer possible to bring dependants (unless you fall on the exceptions). Check with a registered migration agent for implications.

The new Australian student visa rules don't affect students who have already brought their dependants to Australia. Students who apply after the rule change will be affected, according to Mr Burke.

This new rule will not affect student visa applications (with or without dependants) lodged before 2nd October 2026. It will only affect students who apply on or after this date.

So, if you lodged a student visa application (with/without dependant) before 2nd October 2026, you will be assessed under the previous rule, not this new student dependant visa rule.

Mr Burke, while announcing the new rules for student dependent visas in Australia, said “visa hopping” is a “genuine problem”. He addressed the claim that Australia is home to “mass migration” as “absurd”. He emphasised that the government will meet the net overseas immigration (NOI) target of 225,000 by 2028.

Future Australian student visa holders should keep the following points in mind:

1) Future international students will not be able to bring dependents; the exemption applies to PhD students, students from ASEAN & Pacific Islands, students receiving foreign government scholarship, and students sponsored by DFAT or Defence. So, plan accordingly.

2) International students studying any AQF-level courses will be allowed to move “only up the qualification scale”.

For instance, students enrolled in a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) will only be able to move up the qualification to AQF Level 8.

Students can ask themselves:

• Is my course exempt (PhD)?. or
• Am I a student sponsored by DFAT or Defence? or
• Am I a student receiving a foreign government scholarships? or

If you aren't, check the Pacific Islands or ASEAN countries list. If the countries listed there don’t include your own, seek professional guidance.

Staying up to date and navigating all the Australian student dependant visa rule changes can be daunting. So, students can consult with experts with years of experience in this field. Such experts can help students navigate the regulatory framework (or any changes thereof). Of course, one of the best, if not the best, experts is Search Education.

Search Education has multiple registered migration agents who can help students navigate the regulatory framework. We have over 10 years of experience guiding students and other visa holders through the regulatory framework. We provide personalised services required to study or immigrate to Australia legally. We also ensure that students understand the pros and cons of different pathways. We:

• Guide students towards courses in Australia that align with eligible skilled occupations and comply with new student visa rules.
• Provide the implications of visa rule changes.
• Guide, prepare, and submit student dependent visa applications.
• and more.

We have an impeccable track record of integrity and honesty. Don’t just take our word for it; read what our alumni say. So, feel free to reach out to us.

• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/australian-government-migration-policy-changes
• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/changes-to-student-visa-applications-factsheet.pdf