Student visa changes from 2 October 2026

This article was written by Jialin Liu Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

Is your subclass 500 plan still on track?

Are you in Australia on a Working Holiday, Temporary Graduate or work visa and planning to move to a Student visa? Have you completed a bachelor degree and planned to study a vocational course next? Or were you intending to bring your partner or children after your Student visa was granted?

From 2 October 2026, new rules substantially restrict who may apply for a Student visa in Australia, when family members may be included, and transfers between education providers. Current Student visas remain valid, but future applications and study plans may be affected.

This article explains the main changes and identifies practical issues to check before you lodge an application, change courses, travel or make financial commitments.

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