Australia tightens student visa regulations to prevent stay extensions

The Australian government has implemented new student visa regulations, effective October 2, 2026, aimed at closing loopholes used to extend temporary stays. A primary change requires most temporary visa holders to be outside Australia both when applying for and when being granted a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).

To prevent students from repeatedly switching courses or levels of study to remain in the country, new rules restrict the ability to change educational institutions. For non-secondary students, the minimum period they must remain in their original course has increased from six to 12 months. From July 1, 2027, students wishing to transfer must obtain a new visa before starting at a new institution, and transfers are only permitted to programs of the same or higher level.

Additionally, the government is tightening rules regarding dependents. Most new student visa applicants will no longer be able to include a partner or children in their initial application. Exceptions to these rules apply to specific groups, including PhD researchers, students sponsored by the Australian or foreign governments, and citizens from ASEAN member states and Pacific Island nations.