Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules and Course Transfers
Australia has changed some rules for people who come to study there.
Most students will not be able to bring family members, although some groups are exempt.
Those who can bring family must apply at the same time as the student.
Many people already in Australia on another temporary visa can no longer switch to a student visa there.
Students also have to show they are moving forward in their studies if they apply for another student visa.
Most students who are not in school must now wait 12 months before changing providers.
From mid-2027, students will need a transfer visa before starting at a new provider.
The government says the changes are intended to improve the quality and integrity of the education system.
Most international students will no longer be able to bring family members, with limited exemptions.
Family members must apply with the main student; later applications as subsequent entrants are no longer allowed.
Most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for student visas from within Australia.
Non-school students must stay in their principal course for 12 months before transferring, up from six months.
From mid-2027, students will need a new transfer visa granted before starting with another provider.
- Who
- International students and some other temporary visa holders; the changes were finalized by Assistant Minister Julian Hill.
- What
- Australia finalized reforms restricting family members accompanying students, onshore student visa applications, and course transfers.
- When
- Finalized on October 2; some transfer changes are scheduled to begin in mid-2027.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- The government says the reforms aim to strengthen quality and integrity and address visa hopping and course-transfer abuse.
- Finalized
- October 2
- Non-school course transfer wait
- 12 months in the principal course, increased from six months
- School student transfer wait
- Six months
- Family application timing
- Eligible family members must apply at the same time as the main student
- Family exemptions
- Limited exemptions include PhD students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN member countries, and students sponsored by Australian or foreign governments
- New transfer visa
- Expected to take over from mid-2027; it must be granted before a student starts with a new provider
- Transfer rule exceptions
- Exceptional circumstances, or a provider or course ceasing to be registered