Information checked: 11 October 2026.
Australia’s latest student visa reforms took effect on 2 October 2026. If you are planning further study, bringing family or changing education providers, the timing and location of your application now deserve particular attention.
Can you still apply from inside Australia?
The reforms narrow access to onshore student visa applications. Most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders, can no longer apply for a student visa while in Australia. Existing student visa holders generally need to demonstrate genuine course progression to apply again onshore, with limited exemptions. The government outlined these changes in its 2 October announcement.
Do not assume that enrolling in a course makes you eligible to lodge an application here. Check your current visa, study history and any applicable exemption before paying fees or making travel plans.
What has changed for partners and children?
Family inclusion is now restricted, with exceptions including certain PhD students, Pacific and ASEAN nationals, and government-sponsored students. Eligible family members already in Australia may be included in a new onshore application. Subsequent entrant student family applications have been removed: even families within an exemption need to apply together with the primary applicant. Check the official reform announcement for the scope of the changes. Existing visa holders should check their individual position.
Lodgement date and location matter
Home Affairs says applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules applying when they were lodged, including the family rules. For new applications, lodging onshore when you must apply offshore can make the application invalid. Including an ineligible family member can also result in an invalid application.
An offshore student visa application does not provide a bridging visa. If an offshore application is required, you must also be outside Australia when the student visa is granted. Plan around your existing visa’s expiry and read Home Affairs’ application guidance before deciding your next step.
Provider transfers: current rules and the next stage
A longer principal-course transfer restriction now affects non-school students, subject to exceptions. A separate student visa transfer stream is planned from 1 July 2027. Check immigration requirements and your provider’s transfer process before changing courses.
Before you make a decision
Prepare your visa grant letter, course and enrolment records, family details and proposed study plan. A personalised review can help identify whether you can apply onshore, whether your family can be included and how to protect your lawful status between courses.
Book a 15-minute free discovery call with Regal Migration to discuss your circumstances.
This article provides general information, not advice about an individual application. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the rules at the time of application. The legal amendments are available in the Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026.