01/10/2026
AUSTRALIA STUDENT VISA & TRANSFER RULES β MAJOR UPDATE π¦πΊ
From 2 October 2026, important changes affect international students planning to apply for another Student visa or change education providers.
FURTHER STUDENT VISA APPLICATIONS
Existing Subclass 500 holders will generally need to apply for a further Student visa from outside Australia, unless a specific exemption applies.
VISA HOLDERS AFFECTED
Certain visa holders, including holders of 400, 403, 407, 408, 417, 457, 462, 482, 485, 600, 601, 602, 651, 771, 988 and 995, may be prevented from lodging a Student visa application in Australia under the new framework.
SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS
Certain circumstances may allow an eligible student to apply in Australia, including:
β’ Doctoral studies
β’ Provider default
β’ Completion of studies
β’ Course progression
TRANSFER RULES
Until 30 June 2027, most students transferring between non-school providers will generally need to complete 12 months of their principal course.
From 1 July 2027, the requirement returns to 6 months.
IMPORTANT: Student visa requirements and education-provider transfer requirements are separate rules. Meeting one does not automatically mean you meet the other.
If youβre planning to change providers, continue your studies, or apply for another Student visa, check the current requirements before making your next move.
Stay informed. Get the right guidance.
