Australia’s Student Visa Rules Are Changing: What Does This Mean for International Students?
Australia has new rules for some Student visa applications and provider transfers. The rules apply to visa applications made from 2 October 2026.[1][2][3]
The main message is simple: do not assume you can always apply for another Student visa while you are in Australia. Before you make plans, check the visa you hold and the date you plan to apply.[1]
1. Applying for another Student visa? You will usually need to be outside Australia
If you already hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) and want to apply for another Student visa, the general rule now requires you to be outside Australia when you apply.[1]
There are limited exceptions. The rules mention Defence students, Foreign Affairs students, and school students. The Government can also specify other exempt groups through an instrument.[1]
So, do not assume you can automatically extend your visa from Australia. First check whether an exception applies to you.
2. If you must apply offshore, you must also be offshore when the visa is granted
This rule is not only about where you apply. If you are required to apply from outside Australia, you must also be outside Australia when the new Student visa is granted.[1]
That is why it is important to plan your application date, travel, and current visa expiry early. Do not wait until your visa is almost finished to find out what applies.
3. Not every temporary-visa holder can apply for a Student visa in Australia
There is a list of temporary visas whose holders cannot make a Student visa application while they are in Australia. Examples include the Temporary Graduate visa (485), Visitor visa (600), eVisitor (651), Working Holiday (417), Work and Holiday (462), and Skills in Demand visa (482).[2]
The list includes more than these visas. The official instrument also names other subclasses and streams.[2] Check the name and subclass of your own visa. Do not rely only on general advice from friends or social media.
4. Bringing family members also has tighter rules
The new rules limit when a secondary applicant, such as a partner or child, can make a Student visa application from inside Australia.[1]
This does not mean that every family member cannot apply. The answer depends on the primary applicant’s status, the application date, the current visa position, and special circumstances set out in the rules.[1] If you plan to study with family, check your situation before buying flights or making major changes.
5. You may not be able to change provider straight away
There are also changes for students who want to move from one registered provider to another. For transfers other than from an approved school provider, until 30 June 2027 a student will generally need to have completed at least 12 months of their principal course at the original provider. From 1 July 2027, the general rule becomes at least six months.[3]
There are exceptions. For example, the provider or course may no longer be registered, a sanction may stop the provider from continuing the course, the original provider may agree to release the student through PRISMS, or a government sponsor may support the transfer.[3]
What should you do now?
- Check your visa subclass and visa expiry date.
- Check whether you will apply for a new visa from inside or outside Australia.
- If you want to change provider, ask both your current and new providers for their written transfer policy.
- Keep your CoE and important correspondence.
- If your situation is complex, use official sources and seek appropriate advice.
RIM Education can help you organise course options, application documents, and your study timeline. Contact RIM Education to discuss your plans.
Important: This is an educational summary, not migration or legal advice. Visa rules and provider processes can change. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs information and official instruments before you apply.[1][2][3][4]
Sources
[1] https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01347/asmade/2026-10-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html — Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026
[2] https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01348/asmade/2026-10-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html — Migration (Student Visa Applications to Be Made from outside Australia) Instrument 2026
[3] https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01351/asmade/2026-10-01/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html — National Code Amendment (Overseas Student Transfers) Instrument 2026
[4] https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/australian-government-migration-policy-changes — Australian Government Migration Policy Changes