25/09/2026
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES PROPOSED CHANGES TO STUDENT VISA RULES
📢 Important Update for International Students
The Australian Government announced proposed changes to the student and graduate visa framework on 17 September 2026, aimed at strengthening visa integrity and addressing visa-hopping.
🔹 Dependent Family Members
The Government has announced plans to generally restrict the ability of international students and graduate visa holders to bring or add dependent family members. Proposed exceptions include Pacific and ASEAN nationals and students undertaking certain courses, such as PhD programs. Existing families already in Australia will not be separated under the proposed changes.
🔹 Course Transfers
Under the proposed changes, students who transfer from one course to another may need to apply for a new Student visa, including certain transfers within the same institution or at the same level of study.
🔹 Academic Progression
The proposed framework places greater emphasis on genuine academic progression. For example, progression from Bachelor’s → Master’s → PhD represents upward academic progression, while repeated course changes or moving to lower-level qualifications may face greater restrictions.
📅 Announcement Date: 17 September 2026
⚠️ Important: These are proposed/announced reforms and are expected to be implemented progressively. The detailed eligibility requirements, exemptions and commencement dates are still subject to further government action.
👉 Planning to study in Australia? Stay informed about the latest visa requirements before making decisions regarding dependants, course transfers or further study.