02/10/2026
IMPORTANT STUDENT VISA UPDATE
Significant changes to Australia’s Student visa and international student transfer rules take effect from 2 October 2026.
🔄 Student transfers
The transfer restriction for non-school international students temporarily increases from 6 months to 12 months from 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027. It is scheduled to return to 6 months from 1 July 2027. School-sector students remain subject to the 6-month rule.
✈️ Onshore Student visa applications
Current Student visa holders will generally need to apply for another Student visa from outside Australia, unless they fall within a specified exception.
⚠️ Other visa holders affected
Holders of certain visas, including 485, 482, 407, 408, 417, 400, 403, 600, 601, 602, 651, 457, 771, 988 and 995, may also be required to apply for a Student visa from outside Australia.
🎓 Exceptions apply
Certain students may still be eligible to apply onshore, including some doctoral students, students completing their studies, students affected by provider default, qualifying course progression cases, and certain family members.
📚 Course progression matters
Students moving to another course need to consider the AQF level, course type and education provider requirements. Not every course change will qualify for an onshore Student visa application.
📌 Before changing your course or provider:
Check your current visa, principal course, study period, transfer eligibility and whether an exception applies.
Effective 2 October 2026.
For personalised advice, contact Nova Education & Migration Services.
📞 07 3194 6101
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.novaeducation.com.au
MARN: 1568518 | 2217797
General information only. Individual circumstances and eligibility requirements may differ.
