Last Updated: 13 October 2026
New Student visa rules started on 2 October 2026. They cover more visa types than the July 2024 change described further down. If you hold a Visitor or Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa and want to study in Australia, where you lodge your Student visa application matters.
Since 1 July 2024, holders of these visas have not been able to apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. From 2 October 2026, the same onshore restriction applies to more temporary visa holders.
This page explains who is affected, what the official sources say and which options may be worth exploring. Every situation is different, so you can book a consultation with a registered migration agent to review yours before you lodge anything.
Key Takeaways
- Since 1 July 2024, Visitor and 485 holders cannot apply for a Student visa while in Australia.
- From 2 October 2026, holders of more temporary visas must also apply from outside Australia. No exemptions apply.
- These applicants must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
- Current Student visa holders can apply in Australia only in limited cases, such as moving to a higher AQF level.
- Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged.
- Home Affairs says you can still apply for a Student visa if you meet the visa requirements.
Where the Rules Stand Now
Home Affairs says most temporary visa holders must be outside Australia when they lodge a Student or Student Guardian visa application, and when the visa is granted. The listed visas are subclasses 400, 403 (Domestic Worker, Diplomatic or Consular stream), 407, 408, 417, 457, 462, 482, 485, 600, 601, 602, 651, 771, 988 and 995 (primary holders only).
|
If you hold |
Where you can apply for a Student visa |
|
Any visa on the Home Affairs list above |
Outside Australia only. No exemptions apply. |
|
A Student visa (subclass 500) |
Outside Australia, unless you meet an exemption. |
|
A Student visa as a dependant, applying as the main applicant |
Outside Australia only. No exemptions apply. |
|
A Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) |
A further Student Guardian visa may be lodged in Australia. |
Current Student visa holders may apply in Australia if they:
- need up to 12 more months with the same provider to finish their main course
- are sponsored by DFAT or Defence
- are applying to study a PhD
- are applying for primary or secondary school studies
- have completed a course and are moving to a higher AQF level
- are moving between school and non-AQF courses, or from a non-AQF course to an AQF course
- cannot continue because their education provider has defaulted
Family members generally cannot be included in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies. They also cannot be added after the visa is granted.
Not sure which group applies to you?
Historical Announcement: 1 July 2024
Originally published 27 June 2024 and kept here for reference.
In June 2024, the then Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, announced changes aimed at ending “visa hopping”. The Government used this term for moving from one temporary visa to another to extend a stay in Australia.
From 1 July 2024:
- Visitor visa holders were no longer able to apply for a Student visa onshore.
- Temporary Graduate visa holders were no longer able to apply for a Student visa onshore.
The same announcement referred to other Temporary Graduate visa changes from 1 July 2024, including shorter post-study work rights and a lower age limit.
Who may be affected
- Visitor visa holders: A Student visa application would generally be lodged from outside Australia.
- Temporary Graduate (485) holders: The same applies. Planning the timing around your visa expiry date may help.
- Other listed temporary visa holders: Since 2 October 2026, working holiday, work, training and other listed visa holders are covered as well.
- Current Student visa holders: Onshore applications are possible only where an exemption applies.
Options to explore
Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to look at:
- A Student visa from outside Australia, if you meet the requirements. See our Student visa guide.
- A Working Holiday visa, for eligible passport holders. See our Working Holiday visa page.
- Skilled or employer-sponsored pathways, such as General Skilled Migration or the Skills in Demand visa. Eligibility, occupation and points requirements apply, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
- A Visitor visa for a short stay, subject to its conditions. See our Visitor visa page.
How to prepare
- Check your visa. Compare your subclass with the Home Affairs list above.
- Check your dates. Allow time before your current visa ends, as lodging from outside Australia can involve travel and processing time.
- Get advice early. Book a consultation with a registered migration agent to review your options.
- Check official updates. Rules can change, so confirm details on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Final Thoughts
The July 2024 and October 2026 changes both affect where some applicants can lodge a Student visa. The rules are detailed and may change again. Confirm your situation with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you make study, travel or relocation plans.
How Pathway to Aus Can Help
Pathway to Aus has registered migration agents who can review your visa history, study plans and options. Email us at info@pathwaytoaus.com or book a consultation.
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