Australia's New Student Visa Rules: Who Can Still Bring Family, and Who Must Apply From Home
Published 24/10/2026
In short: Australia changed its Student visa rules on 2 October 2026. Most students can no longer bring a partner or children with them, and many people already in Australia must now go home to apply for their next Student visa. If your family is planning a 2027 start in Australia, the plan may need a second look.
What happened
The Australian Department of Home Affairs changed the rules for the Student visa (subclass 500) and the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) from 2 October 2026. Study Australia, the government's official student site, explained the changes on 7 October. The government says the aim is to stop misuse of the visa, and that genuine students are not the target. Its message is that Australia "continues to welcome international students".
There are two big changes: who can apply from inside Australia, and whether family can come along. Below are the questions families ask us most.
Can a student still take a spouse or children?
Generally, no. A Student visa application can no longer include a partner or dependent children unless an exemption applies. The exemptions are:
- students doing a PhD;
- students sponsored by Australia's foreign affairs (DFAT) or defence departments;
- students on a foreign government scholarship (Study Australia says "fully-funded");
- students from Pacific and ASEAN countries. India is in neither group.
There is one carve-out for families already in Australia. If a partner or child was included in the student's visa or application before 2 October, they may be included again in the next Student visa application, but only if the student is allowed to apply from inside Australia (for example, needing up to 12 more months to finish, or the institution being unable to continue the course). Everyone must be in the same place when the application is lodged.
Family cannot be added after the visa is granted. Home Affairs says there are no exemptions to this.
Can a student switch to a new course while in Australia?
Often not anymore. Most people on other temporary visas (Study Australia names Working Holiday and Skills in Demand visas) can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. Current students applying for another Student visa must also apply from outside Australia, and be outside when it is granted, unless they fit an exemption. The main exemptions are:
- needing up to 12 more months to finish the current course with the same institution;
- moving up to a higher-level course after finishing the main course;
- a PhD, or school study;
- the institution being unable to teach the course (called "provider default").
Is anyone already there affected?
Current Student visas are not affected. Applications lodged before 2 October are decided under the old rules, including those that already included family.
For students
- Plan the whole route before you go. A diploma followed by a degree is a common plan. Now check that each step either fits an exemption or can be applied for from India.
- Pick the right institution the first time. Australia also plans a new "Transfer stream" for students who change institutions. Details are not out yet, so changing midway may get harder.
- If you are married, or may marry during the course, assume your partner cannot join you on your visa unless you fit an exemption, such as a PhD.
For parents
- Budget for a flight home. If your child may need a new Student visa in Australia, the application may have to be made from India. Add the travel and the waiting time to your plan.
- Ask the university in writing whether the full course, from start to finish, sits on one visa.
- Older students with families should weigh Australia against countries where dependants are still allowed, before paying a deposit.
- Get advice only from registered people. Study Australia points families to migration agents registered with OMARA, Australia's official register.
Key dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 2 Oct 2026 | New Student visa rules start |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Study Australia publishes its explainer |
| Not yet announced | Details of the new "Transfer stream" |
Sources
- Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules (subclasses 500 & 590), checked 24 October 2026
- Home Affairs: Including or adding family members, checked 24 October 2026
- Home Affairs fact sheet: Changes to Student visa applications (PDF), checked 24 October 2026
- Study Australia: Student visa changes, October 2026 update, checked 24 October 2026
Dates can change. Confirm on the official website before you pay or apply.
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