π¦πΊ New Australian student visa rules are here. What changes, who is affected and what your options are.
A simple, clear breakdown from your Study Destination team, with an alternative for every change.
On 2 October 2026, new Australian student visa regulations came into effect. We know that policy updates can feel stressful (especially when your plans, your job and your life in Australia depend on them). Messages fly around Facebook groups, everyone has a different opinion and suddenly you're not sure what applies to you. π
So let's take a breath together. These changes close some doors, but they don't close your path. For every update below, there's a clear alternative, and we're right here to help you find the one that fits your journey.
Here's a simple breakdown of how the changes work and what you can do next.
β‘ Quick summary
- Working Holiday (417/462) holders can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. You can still apply from outside Australia.
- Package courses (multiple CoEs) are now restricted onshore. Apply onshore with a single CoE at a higher level, or keep the package and apply offshore.
- ELICOS students can no longer renew onshore for another standalone English course. Adding a VET or Higher Education course after English still works.
- Changing providers: most students now need to complete 12 months of their main course before transferring (up from 6 months) until 1 July 2027.
- Applied before 2 October 2026? These changes don't affect applications lodged before that date.
- Onshore / offshore: applying from inside Australia / from outside Australia.
- CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment): the document your school issues once you enrol. You need it to apply for a Student visa.
- Package course: two or more courses (and CoEs) combined under one Student visa application.
- ELICOS: English language courses for international students.
- VET / HE: Vocational Education and Training (Certificates III, IV, Diplomasβ¦) / Higher Education (Bachelor, Masterβ¦).
- Academic progression: moving to a higher qualification level than the course you completed.
01The changes at a glance
| Your situation | What changed | Your alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday visa (417 / 462) | No more onshore Student visa applications | Apply from outside Australia |
| Package course (multiple CoEs) | Restricted onshore | Single CoE at a higher level onshore, or full package offshore |
| Studying English (ELICOS) | No onshore renewal for another standalone English course | Add a VET or HE course after your English studies |
| Want to change provider | 12 months of your main course before transferring (was 6) | Plan your course choice carefully from the start |
02For Working Holiday visa holders (subclass 417 / 462)
π« The change: Onshore applications for Student visas are no longer available for Working Holiday visa holders.
β Your alternative: You can still apply for your Student visa! You simply need to lodge your application from outside Australia (offshore). You can plan a short trip home (hello family, hello home-cooked food π₯) while your visa is processed, and then come back to start your studies.
π‘ Good to know: under the new rules, you need to be outside Australia when the decision on your visa is made, so plan your trip around your processing time. Your advisor will help you time it right.
03For students with course packages (multiple CoEs)
π« The change: Package courses (for example, combining multiple VET or language courses under one onshore Student visa application) are now restricted onshore.
β Your alternative: If you hold a Student visa 500 and want to apply for your new Student visa from inside Australia, you can do it with a single CoE that shows genuine academic progression, meaning you're moving to a higher qualification level.
Prefer to keep your full multi-course package? No problem: you can lodge the application from outside Australia.
04For Student visa holders currently studying English (ELICOS)
π« The change: Renewing your visa for another standalone English course while in Australia is no longer permitted under the onshore progression rules.
β Your alternative: You don't have to leave if you want to keep studying! You can extend your stay onshore by adding a VET course (such as a Certificate III, IV or Diploma) or even a Higher Education program after your English studies. Moving from ELICOS to a VET or HE course meets the onshore progression criteria. π
This is actually a great moment to think about your next step: what career do you want to build, and which course gets you there? That's exactly the conversation we love having with our students. π
05Applying from outside Australia: what to expect
If your best option is to apply offshore, keep in mind that the offshore process can include a few extra steps:
- ποΈ Biometrics: you may need to give your fingerprints and photo, depending on your nationality.
- π©Ί Health examinations: you may need a medical check, depending on your nationality and travel history.
- ποΈ Timing: plan your trip around processing times so you don't miss your course start date.
π€ We've got you: we'll guide you step by step through the offshore process so everything goes smoothly.
06Course transfer & progression rules
π The change: Overseas students must generally complete 12 months of their principal (main) course before transferring to another provider, instead of 6 months.
This is a temporary change: the transfer restriction period is set to return to 6 months from 1 July 2027.
π What this means for you: choosing the right course and school before you enrol matters more than ever. Changing your mind later will be harder, so it's worth taking the time to get it right from day one.
Other changes you should know about
- π¨π©π§ Family members: most new Student visa applicants can no longer bring dependants (partner or children). Exceptions include PhD students, government scholarship holders and students from ASEAN or Pacific countries. Family members need to be included in the initial application.
- π Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are not affected by these changes.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs Β· Department of Education
07Frequently asked questions
When did the new student visa rules start?
The new rules came into effect on 2 October 2026. Applications lodged before that date are not affected.
I'm on a Working Holiday visa. Can I still become a student in Australia?
Yes. You can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia, but you can apply from outside Australia, for example during a short trip home, and then return to start your studies.
Can I still apply for a package of courses?
Package courses are now restricted onshore. From inside Australia, you can apply with a single CoE that shows academic progression to a higher qualification level. If you want to keep your full package, you can apply from outside Australia.
I'm studying English. Can I renew my visa for more English?
Not onshore for another standalone English course. But you can stay and keep studying by adding a VET course (Certificate III, IV or Diploma) or a Higher Education program after your English course, as this meets the onshore progression criteria.
Will I need biometrics or a medical exam if I apply offshore?
You may, depending on your nationality and history. We'll guide you through every step of the offshore process.
How long do I need to study before changing provider?
Generally 12 months of your principal course, instead of 6. This is temporary and is set to return to 6 months from 1 July 2027.
We are here for you every step of the way π
Every student's situation is unique, and you don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're on a Working Holiday, studying English or planning your next course, there's still a way forward. It may just need a slightly different route. And finding that route is exactly what we do.
If you're already a Study Destination student, your dedicated Experience Student Advisor will contact you directly over the next few days to review your profile, answer your questions and present the options that best suit your plans.
Not sure how these changes affect you?
Talk to one of our advisors. Our service is 100% free for students.
Book your free consultation ββ οΈ Please note: the Australian Government may update visa rules at any time. Before you apply, check the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website. Read the official announcement here.
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