Changes to student visa rules

Migration practitioners should be aware of changes to the requirements for the grant of student visas.

From 2 October 2026, new rules change who can apply for and be granted a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) while in Australia, and whether family members can be included.

 These changes may affect people wanting to:

• apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) in Australia;
• apply for another Student visa in Australia;
• include family members in a Student visa application or add them later.

The Department of Home Affairs has explained the changes in a factsheet.