02/10/2026
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA STUDENT VISA UPDATE | 2 OCTOBER 2026 🎓
🚨 Important new Student Visa changes are now in effect!
The Australian Government has introduced new measures affecting Student Visa (subclass 500) applications, onshore applications and family members.
📌 Key changes include:
🔹 Onshore Student Visa applications
Most Student Visa applicants will now need to apply from outside Australia, unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
🔹 Further Student Visa applications
Most current Student Visa holders can no longer simply apply for another Student Visa while in Australia. Exemptions apply in certain circumstances.
- Certain visa holders may now face restrictions on applying for a Student Visa while in Australia.
🔹 Family members
Most Student Visa applicants can no longer include partners or dependent children in their Student Visa application, unless an exemption applies. Family members also cannot apply later as subsequent entrants under the new rules.
🔹 Course transfers
From 2 October 2026, the transfer restriction period for most international students has temporarily increased from 6 months to 12 months. This change is currently scheduled to apply until 30 June 2027.
🔹 Course & visa planning is more important than ever
Students considering a course change, further study, or another visa pathway should check their eligibility before enrolling or making financial commitments.
⚠️ Already lodged your application before 2 October 2026?
Applications lodged before the new rules commenced will generally continue to be assessed under the rules that applied when the application was lodged.
Want to know how these changes effect you or planning for your migration pathway?
📩 Contact Boon Migration & Education Consultants for personalised guidance on your visa options.
📱 0402 401 022
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.boonmigration.com.au
DISCLAIMER: This information is general in nature only and does not constitute legal or migration advice.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/changes-to-student-visa-applications-factsheet.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawUsmiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5PAZxdyTRGLe6ycd7hhnzioKHavHHB1cvUOGEyWLLbwe6K8xEgNZ5C0aEyXA_aem_k7FDa6EsY9k9q_vg4w7xfA
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Visa-subsite/files/student-500-infographic.pdf
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/changes-to-student-visa-application-rules-500-590
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01348/asmade/text
