Australia tightens student visa rules, limits dependants for international students

Australia has introduced a fresh set of student visa restrictions that will affect international students, including Indians planning to study or continue their education in the country.

The new rules, which took effect from October 2026, limit onshore student visa applications, restrict when students can bring family members and tighten the rules for changing education providers.

Also read: "Big week ahead": Trump administration signals major action on foreign worker visas


During the National Migration Conference, Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for International Education, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs said, "Migration is good for Australia. It strengthens our economy, supports essential industries, and enriches our society."

Hill continued, "The policy settings inherited from the previous Government saw net overseas migration peak and remain too high after the borders reopened. Changes already made have seen NOM fall since the post-COVID peak by almost 50 per cent. Reducing and tightening pathways for onshore applications, and restoring the norm that when you come to Australia for a temporary purpose: we welcome you; you do the thing you’re here for; and then you leave before your visa expires."

"In short, we're using scarce skilled migration places strategically, to deliver the greatest benefit for Australia's economy and workforce," he said

Under the new rules, most temporary visa holders, including those on working holiday, training and temporary employer visas, can no longer apply for a student visa while in Australia. Existing student visa holders seeking another student visa onshore will also need to meet specific requirements, with limited exemptions.

Australia has also tightened rules on changing education providers. Until June 30, 2027, non-school students must generally remain in their principal course for 12 months before transferring to another provider, compared with six months earlier.

From July 1, 2027, students seeking to change providers will need to apply through a new student visa transfer stream and receive the new visa before starting with another provider. Transfers will generally only be permitted at the same or a higher level under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Also Read: Germany eyes doubling Indian tourist overnight stays by 2030: GNTB chief

For Indian students planning to take their spouse or children to Australia, the changes to dependent rules are particularly important. Family members can now accompany students only in limited circumstances, including where the student is pursuing a PhD, receiving an Australian or foreign government scholarship, or is from an ASEAN or Pacific Island nation.

He said, “From now, students will only be allowed to bring dependent family members in limited circumstances, including for PhD students, foreign government or Australian government scholarship students, and those from ASEAN or Pacific Island nations.”

“Onshore applications from Higher Education to higher VET courses will be explicitly not allowed. A student will not be able to commence at a new provider unless and until a new visa is granted. The transfer stream will only allow a student to transfer SIDEWAYS or UP the AQF - not down, and not from higher education to VET. Onshore pathways from temporary visas to student visas have been closed, so people will no longer be able to apply for a student visa while in Australia from working holiday maker visas, training visas, temporary employer visas and so on,” Hill noted.

Students must apply for eligible secondary dependents with their primary application. They will no longer be able to add subsequent entrants after the initial student visa is granted.

The same restrictions will apply to Temporary Graduate Visas. Families already in Australia will be protected under grandfathering arrangements.

The Australian government said the reforms are aimed at strengthening the integrity of the student visa system while continuing to allow genuine international students to study in the country.