New Rules for Student Visas Inside Australia 2027
Learn Australia’s new rules for applying for a student visa from inside the country, who must now apply from overseas, the exemptions, and what they mean for your family.
Charlotte Whitmore
Last updated
Why Where You Apply Now Matters
Australia still welcomes international students, but since October 2, 2026, the place where you apply matters much more. Most people now have to apply for a student visa from outside Australia, and stay outside until the visa is granted. The goal is to stop people from moving from one temporary visa to another while in the country. If you plan carefully, you can still study in Australia without problems.
Who Must Now Apply From Outside Australia
Most people on a temporary visa can no longer switch to a student visa while they are in Australia. This includes visitors, working holiday makers, temporary graduate visa holders and many skilled workers. If you hold one of these visas, you must leave Australia, apply from overseas, and wait outside Australia until your student visa is granted. Applications made before October 2, 2026, are still assessed under the old rules.
Current Students Who Need a New Student Visa
Your current student visa is not cancelled or shortened by these changes. But if you need a new student visa, you generally must now apply from outside Australia too. You can still apply from inside Australia only in some cases, such as moving up to a higher-level course, finishing your current course, doctoral studies, school studies, government-sponsored study, or if your education provider closes. Each exemption has detailed rules, so check your situation carefully before you change courses.
Bringing Your Family
You can no longer add family members to your student visa after it has been granted. This means you must include your partner and children in your very first student visa application, before you travel. If you plan to bring your family later, talk to a registered migration agent first, because this rule has no exemptions for adding family after the grant. Family members already included in your application can continue with you.
How to Plan Your Studies Now
The safest plan is to choose your full study path before you leave your home country. Apply for your student visa from overseas, and include all family members in that first application. If you plan more than one course, try to move upward, for example from a diploma to a bachelor’s degree, because moving to a higher level is one of the main onshore exemptions. Always check the latest rules on the official Home Affairs website before you apply.
Can My Partner Switch to Their Own Student Visa in Australia?
Not from inside Australia. If your partner is on your student visa as a family member and now wants to study as the main student, they must apply from overseas. They must also stay outside Australia until their new visa is granted.
Do These Rules Also Apply to Student Guardian Visas?
Yes. Most people can no longer apply for a Student Guardian visa from inside Australia. The only exception is current Student Guardian visa holders, who can still apply for another one onshore.
What If My Visa Ends Before My New Student Visa Is Granted?
You must leave Australia before your current visa ends, because you cannot stay without a valid visa. Apply early from overseas, so your new visa is ready before you need to travel back.
Explore Australia's Student Visa Options →
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