Australia's student visa rules changed on 2 October 2026

Australia changed who can apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) and whether family can come along. The changes apply to applications lodged from 2 October 2026; anything lodged before that date is assessed under the old rules.

Applying from inside Australia

Most people in Australia on another temporary visa can no longer apply for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa from inside the country. If you already hold a Student visa and need a new one, the same rule applies unless you fit an exemption, for example:

• you need up to 12 more months to finish your course with the same provider
• you are moving up to a higher level of study after finishing your main course
• you are starting a PhD
• you are sponsored by DFAT or Defence
• your provider has stopped teaching your course

If none applies, you will need to apply from outside Australia and be outside when the visa is granted.

Bringing family

A Student visa application can no longer include a partner or children, except for PhD students, DFAT or Defence sponsored students, foreign government scholarship holders and some Pacific and ASEAN students. Family members also cannot be added after the visa is granted.

What this means for students from Pakistan

Most of our students apply from Pakistan, so the onshore rule rarely affects the first visa. It matters later: plan your whole study pathway before you go, because changing course or visa from inside Australia is now much harder. If you were planning to bring family, talk to your counsellor before you apply.

Check the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs Subclass 500 Student visa page before you apply.