October 2 2026:
Student Visa Changes
The rules for applying for a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) changed on 2 October 2026. They now restrict who can apply from inside Australia, and when family members can come with a student. If you’re planning further study, a change of course or a move with your family, check how the new rules apply to you before you commit.
Applying from within Australia
Most people in Australia on a temporary visa must now be offshore (out of Australia) both when they lodge a Student or Student Guardian visa application and when the visa is granted.
This also applies to current Student visa holders who want a new Student visa, unless they fit an exemption.
6 Exemption Types to apply for a Student Visa in Australia
Exemption 1: You need up to 12 additional months to complete your studies
Exemption 2: You are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) or Defence (DoD)
Exemption 3: You are applying to undertake a PhD (Doctorate)
Exemption 4: You are applying to undertake primary or secondary school study
Exemption 5: You have completed your main course and are applying in Australia to undertake a higher level course
Exemption 6: Education provider default.
If you already hold a Student visa, it is not affected. Student Guardian visa holders can still apply for a further Student Guardian visa while in Australia.
Dependent or secondary student visa holders cannot apply for a student visa as the primary applicant while in Australia.
Bringing family members
Student visa applicants generally can no longer include family members in their application, whether it’s their first Student visa or a further one.
Narrow exemptions apply, including for:
5 Exemption Types to apply to add family to your visa
Exemption 1: You are a Doctoral (PhD) student
Exemption 2: You are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) or Defence (DoD)
Exemption 3: You are a foreign government scholarship recipient
Exemption 4: You are applying to undertake primary or secondary school study
Exemption 5: Eligible nationals from the Pacific or ASEAN countries as listed in the exemption list, and meet the additional conditions if inside Australia.
Family members can no longer be added after a Student visa is granted. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Applying for a Student Visa
Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will be decided under the old rules, including those that already include family members.
These changes can affect your study plans, travel and family arrangements. A misstep, such as lodging from the wrong place, could cost you time, legal status, and money.
Our migration team is available to support you. Contact MB Lawyers Immigration to discuss your circumstances.
This is general information about a change to visa processing priorities. It is not legal advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Please get in touch for advice on your own matter. For the full list of affected visas and exemptions, see the Department of Home Affairs’ [Student visa page] and [Student Visa Reforms page].
2 October 2026
