Planning a move to Australia? Already there and want to keep studying? New rules have applied since 2 October. Check them before you pay for a course or make plans with your partner.
The rules change where you can lodge a visa application, which course you can take next and whether your partner or children can join you. They also make it harder to change education providers.
Here’s what to check, with examples and official sources.
1. In most cases, you will have to apply for the visa from outside of Australia.
From 2 October 2026, most Student Visa applications must be lodged from outside Australia. You can only apply from within the country if you hold an eligible visa and meet one of the specified exceptions. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
This matters if you're in Australia on a Working Holiday visa or certain temporary work visas and want to stay to study. You can no longer assume you'll be able to make that switch onshore. minister.homeaffairs.gov.au
Do you need to fly home? Not necessarily. “Outside Australia” simply means you must be outside the country. You still need to check where you can lodge the application and how you'll manage the wait. Unless you meet an exception for applying onshore, you must also be outside Australia when the visa is granted. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
If your plan was to travel first and choose a course after you arrive, check the rules before booking your flights.
2. To apply for another visa without leaving Australia, one of the exceptions requires a change in academic level.
If you've finished your course and want to keep studying, one exception may let you apply for another Student Visa from within Australia. To use it, you must move to a higher-level qualification. You must also meet the other requirements of that exception. Home Affairs
For vocational courses, moving up a level can look like this:
| If you have completed… | A higher-level course would be… |
|---|---|
| Certificate III, level 3 | Certificate IV, level 4 |
| Certificate IV, level 4 | Diploma, level 5 |
| Diploma, level 5 | Advanced Diploma, level 6 |
These are the official Australian qualification levels. You don't have to complete them all or follow that sequence necessarily.. The next program will depend on what you want to study and your admission requirements. Australian Qualifications Framework
For example, if you finish a Certificate III and want to study a Certificate IV, you would be moving up a level. If you finish a Certificate IV and apply to another Certificate IV, even if it is in a different specialty, you would still be at the same level and would not meet this progression requirement.. Australian Qualifications Framework
Moving up a level is only one part of the rule. It does not guarantee that you can apply from within Australia. This is where Australian Way's acompañamiento comes in: we look at the course you've finished, what you want to study next and whether you may be able to apply without leaving the country.
3. Changing education providers is harder during the first 12 months
From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, the restricted period for changing education providers increases from six to twelve months of the principal course for students in non-school education. Some exceptions allow you to request a transfer earlier. Department of Education
One detail is easy to miss: in a package that combines English with vocational education, the principal course is usually the final course. The 12-month clock may not start when you arrive or when your English classes begin. Home Affairs
Another change starts on 1 July 2027. To move to a new provider, you'll need to obtain the new visa before the course begins. It will keep the expiry date of your previous visa. Minister for Home Affairs
Choose your education provider carefully. Know the course and its conditions before you enrol.
4. In most cases, you can no longer add your partner or children to a new Student Visa application
From 2 October 2026, the general rule is that you cannot include your partner or dependent children in a new Student Visa application.
The rule has five main exceptions:
- Students undertaking a doctorate or PhD.
- Students from certain Pacific or ASEAN countries, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
- Students sponsored by the Australian Departments of Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Students with a foreign government scholarship that fully funds their studies in Australia.
- People whose partner or children are already included in their current Student Visa, in certain circumstances and subject to the relevant requirements. Home Affairs
When family members can be included, they must apply at the same time and from the same place as the student. You cannot add a partner or child after the visa has been granted. Applications lodged before 2 October are assessed under the previous rules. Home Affairs
Planning to travel with your family? Australian Way can help you check whether they can be included and what they need before you book the trip.
5. Can one visa cover both English and vocational courses?
Yes. Before you travel, you can apply for a visa that covers both courses, Provided that you drive to the next one and meet the requirements. You must include the enrollment confirmations from both programs in the application.. Home Affairs
If you need stronger English before starting a vocational course, plan the two courses together from the start. Take the English course first, then move into vocational education and training (VET).
That way, you can ask for one visa to cover both courses instead of travelling with an English course and assuming you can apply for another visa later.
From 2 October 2026, people applying for another Student Visa from within Australia generally cannot include a new course package, except in specific circumstances. Home Affairs
Australian Way can help you match your English level with the right vocational course. The package must fit your study goals and meet the rules. Enrolling does not guarantee that your visa will be granted.
6. If you were planning to study a Graduate Diploma in Management, check what it is.
The rule applies specifically to the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).
From 5 October 2026, This course cannot accept or start new international students. Registration confirmations for those who have not yet started the course are also cancelled. Those who have already started the course can continue according to the applicable regulations.. ASQA
If this course appears in your quote or package, speak to Australian Way before you go any further. The team can help you review the alternatives.
How do these changes affect your plans?
Your next step depends on where you are, which visa you hold, what you want to study and whether you're travelling alone or with family.
Planning your move, or about to finish a course in Australia? Australian Way can review your situation with you before you commit to the next step. You can request a free session to discuss your options with the team.
Official sources
- Student visa: requirements and application, Home Affairs.
- Student visa reforms from October 2, 2026.
- Levels of Australian qualifications, Australian Qualifications Framework.
- Rules for including family members, Home Affairs.
- Changes for international students, Department of Education.
- Cancellation of the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), ASQA.
