From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders — including Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders — can no longer apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) while physically in Australia. The change also limits the inclusion of family members in new Student visa applications. However, several exemption categories allow certain applicants to continue applying onshore, and existing Student visas are not affected.
Who can still apply for a Student visa onshore
The following groups remain eligible to apply for a further Student visa while in Australia:
- Students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence
- Students applying to undertake a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) or primary or secondary school studies
- Students whose education provider cannot deliver their course (provider default)
- Students who need up to 12 additional months to complete their current course with the same provider
- Students who have completed the main course covered by their current visa and are progressing to a higher-level course
If none of these exemptions apply, you must be outside Australia both when you lodge the application and when the visa is granted. You can still apply for a Student visa from offshore.
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) onshore applications
Current Student Guardian visa holders can continue to apply for another Student Guardian visa while in Australia. New applicants should check whether the updated requirements affect their eligibility before lodging an application onshore.
Including family members — new restrictions and exemptions
For Student visa applications lodged on or after 2 October 2026, family members can no longer be included unless an exemption applies. Exemptions cover:
- Doctoral students
- Nationals of Pacific countries and ASEAN member states
- Fully-funded foreign government scholarship recipients
- Students sponsored by DFAT or the Department of Defence
Important: Family members cannot be added after a Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule.
Existing families already in Australia
Arrangements are in place to avoid separating families already in Australia. You may include the same family members in a new Student visa application if:
- They were included in your visa or visa application before 2 October 2026, and
- You are eligible to apply for a further Student visa in Australia
Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the rules in place at the time of lodgement.
Transfer stream and Temporary Graduate visa changes — still being developed
The Australian Government is developing a new Transfer stream within the Student visa subclass for students who change education providers. Under the proposed arrangements, Student visa holders who change providers will need to apply for a new visa through this stream. Details, requirements, and the effective date for the Transfer stream have not yet been published.
Similarly, restrictions on the ability of Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applicants to include family members are being introduced. Further information will become available as these reforms progress. The Temporary Graduate visa application charge increased to A$5,750 on 1 July 2026, with exemptions for eligible applicants from Pacific Island countries, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN member states.
What you should do next
- Check whether the new onshore application rules affect your visa, study, travel, or relocation plans
- Use the Department of Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool to verify financial capacity and English language evidence requirements
- If you need advice on your individual circumstances, contact a migration agent registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA)
- Monitor official channels for updates on the Transfer stream and Temporary Graduate visa family member restrictions
Individual outcomes depend on the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements at the time of application. For case-specific guidance, consult a registered migration agent.
Sources
- Study Australia – Student visa changes October 2026 (student version)
- Study Australia – Student visa changes October 2026 (agent version)
- Department of Home Affairs – Student Visa Reforms
- Department of Home Affairs – Student visa (subclass 500)
- Department of Home Affairs – Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
- Department of Home Affairs – Document Checklist Tool