The Australian Government has implemented significant changes to the Student visa Subclass 500 and Student Guardian visa Subclass 590, effective from 2 October 2026. These changes specifically impact the ability of students to apply for a visa while in Australia (onshore) and the rules regarding the inclusion of family dependents in visa applications. The primary goal is to strengthen the integrity of the student visa program and ensure that the visa is used for its main purpose, which is temporary study in Australia.
Restrictions on Onshore Student Visa Applications
One of the most notable changes is the strict limitation on who can apply for a Student or Student Guardian visa while in Australia. From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders will no longer be able to apply for a new student visa from within Australia.
Who Cannot Apply Onshore?
- Other Temporary Visa Holders: Most temporary visa holders in Australia, including Working Holiday Maker visa holders (Subclass 417 and 462) and Skills in Demand visa holders (Subclass 482), cannot apply for a Student or Student Guardian visa while in Australia.
- Current Student Visa Holders Seeking Extension/Change: If you currently hold a student visa and wish to apply for another student visa (e.g., to progress to a higher level of study or change programs), you will generally need to apply from outside Australia. This also applies to dependents who hold a student visa and wish to become the primary applicant.
- Must Be Outside Australia at Lodgement and Grant: If you cannot apply from within Australia, you must be outside Australia both when you lodge your student visa application and when the visa is granted.
The Department of Home Affairs explicitly states that applications lodged in Australia under ineligible circumstances will not be considered valid.
Exemptions for Onshore Applications
Despite the strict restrictions, some categories of students may still be eligible to apply for a new student visa from within Australia. These exemptions apply if you are:
- Sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Australian Department of Defence.
- Applying to undertake a doctoral degree (PhD).
- Applying for primary or secondary school studies.
- Needing up to 12 additional months to complete your principal course with the same education provider.
- Having completed your main course covered by your current visa and progressing to a higher-level course within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Your education provider cannot deliver your course (provider default).
Changes to Family Dependent Rules
Another significant change concerns the ability to include family members (partners or children) in a student visa application or to add them after the visa has been granted. From 2 October 2026, the rules have become much stricter.
Who Cannot Bring Family Members?
Most new student visa applicants can generally no longer include partners or dependent children in their application.
Exemptions for Family Dependents
Limited exemptions apply to certain groups of students who can still include their family members:
- Doctoral (PhD) students.
- Students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Australian Department of Defence.
- Recipients of a foreign government scholarship.
- Eligible students from Pacific countries or ASEAN member countries.
No Addition of Family Members After Visa Grant
It is important to note that for current student visa holders, there is no longer an option to add family members (such as partners or children) as subsequent entrants after your primary student visa has been granted. The Department of Home Affairs has provided no exemptions for this rule.
Latest Financial Requirements
In addition to changes in application and dependent rules, the financial capacity requirements for an Australian student visa have also been updated. As of 17 October 2026, the living-cost benchmark for a single student is AUD 29,710. This amount must be supplemented by tuition fees and travel costs.
- Annual Living Costs: For a single student, the living cost benchmark is AUD 29,710.
- Tuition Fees: You must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your first year's tuition fees.
- Travel Costs: Funds for travel to and from Australia must also be accounted for, estimated between AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500 depending on your location.
- Alternative Annual Income: Alternatively, you can demonstrate that your parents or spouse have an annual income of at least AUD 87,856.
You need to ensure you have genuine access to these funds. The Department of Home Affairs will consider the sponsor's employment history and unusual financial patterns. It is also important to know that the main Subclass 500 student visa application fee is AUD 2,500, effective from 1 July 2026.
Purpose Behind These Changes
The Australian Government states that these changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the student visa program. The goal is to reduce the misuse of the student visa program, specifically "visa hopping" where individuals move from one temporary visa to another to extend their stay in Australia without a genuine study purpose. These reforms are designed to ensure that student visas are utilized by genuine students coming to Australia for educational purposes.
Other Important Points
- No Impact on Current Visas: If you currently hold an Australian student visa, your existing visa will not be affected by these changes.
- Applications Before 2 October 2026: Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 will be assessed under the rules that applied at the time of lodgement.
- Education Provider Transfer: Rules have also been tightened for transferring education providers, where non-school students are now generally restricted from changing providers during the first 12 months of their principal course, effective until 30 June 2027.
Given the rapid changes and complex details, it is crucial for you to always verify the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration expert. Fee figures and rules are subject to change at any time.
These changes to Australian student visa rules will undoubtedly raise many questions and may impact your study plans. To receive personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, the Fortrust Education Services consulting team is ready to assist you. Feel free to contact us for the information and support you need to achieve your dream of studying in Australia.