On 17 September 2026, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, announced major changes to the Australian student visa rules. These new rules started on 2 October 2026. They affect two things: whether you can bring your family on your Student visa (subclass 500), and whether you can apply for a Student visa while you are already in Australia.
Here is what has changed, in plain terms.
Can international students still bring family to Australia?
For most new students, no. If you apply for a Student visa on or after 2 October 2026, you can no longer include your partner or children in your application, unless an exemption applies.
You also cannot add family members after your Student visa has been granted. There are no exemptions to this rule. If you want your family to come with you, they must be included in your application from the start.
Who can still bring family on a student visa?
You may still be able to include your partner and children if you are:
- studying a PhD (doctoral degree)
- receiving a fully funded foreign government scholarship
- sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Australian Department of Defence
- a national of a Pacific country or an ASEAN country
ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of Southeast Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Pacific refers to Pacific Island nations such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current list of eligible countries.
What if my family is already in Australia with me?
If your family members were included in your visa or visa application before 2 October 2026, you may be able to include them again in your next Student visa application. This only applies if you are eligible to apply for a further Student visa from inside Australia.
Can I apply for a student visa from inside Australia?
Most people can no longer do this. From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia, including Working Holiday and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders, must apply for a Student visa from outside Australia. You must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
If you already hold a Student visa, you can only apply for another one from inside Australia if an exemption applies. For example, you may be exempt if you:
- need up to 12 more months to finish your course with the same education provider
- have completed your main course and are moving up to a higher-level course
- are applying to study a PhD
- are sponsored by DFAT or the Department of Defence
- cannot continue your course because your education provider has closed or defaulted
Changing your education provider
The Australian Government plans to introduce a new Transfer stream within the Student visa. Students who change education providers will need to apply through this stream. The full details have not yet been published. If you are thinking about changing provider, get advice before you make any decision.
What about the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)?
The government has said it will also restrict family members on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The details are not yet available, and we will update this article when they are published. The 485 visa application fee is now AUD 5,750, after an increase on 1 July 2026.
What is not changing
- Australia is not cutting the number of international students. The National Planning Level for 2027 stays at 295,000 new students, the same as 2026.
- If you already hold a Student visa, your current visa is not affected.
- Applications lodged before 2 October 2026, including those with family members, will be assessed under the old rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my wife or husband on an Australian student visa in 2026?
Only if an exemption applies, for example if you are a PhD student or a fully funded government scholarship holder. Most other new students can no longer include a partner.
Can my family join me later in Australia?
No. From 2 October 2026, family members cannot be added after the Student visa is granted.
Can I change from a Working Holiday or 485 visa to a student visa in Australia?
No. You must now apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Does this affect my current student visa?
No. These changes do not affect visas that have already been granted.
Need help with your plans?
Find out more in our guides to Studying in Australia, the Australia Student Visa Subclass 500 and working after your studies.
Speak to our team for free advice on how these changes affect your study plans. For advice on your personal visa situation, we recommend a registered migration agent.