Are you planning your trip to Australia? Or are you already there and want to continue your studies? From October 2nd, there are new rules you should be aware of before paying for a course or making plans with your partner.
The changes affect visa applications within Australia, the courses you can study afterward, and the family members who can accompany you. The conditions for transferring to another school have also changed.
We’ll tell you what you should keep in mind, with examples and official sources.
1. In most cases, you will need to apply for the visa from outside Australia.
From October 2, 2026 , Most student visa applications must be submitted from outside Australia . You can only apply within Australia if you have an eligible visa and meet one of the exceptions. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
This affects, for example, those who are there on a Working Holiday visa or certain temporary work visas and want to stay to study. They can no longer rely on making that change from Australia. Minister for Home Affairs
Do you have to return to your home country? Not necessarily. “From outside” means being outside Australia, but you should check where you can apply and how to arrange your wait. If you don’t qualify for an in-country exception, you must also be outside the country when your visa is granted. Home Affairs
If you were planning to travel first and choose the course once you’re there, it’s a good idea to review that plan before buying your flights.
2. To apply for another visa without leaving Australia, one of the exceptions requires improving your academic level.
If you finish your course and want to continue studying, one of the exceptions for applying for another Student Visa in Australia requires moving on to a higher-level qualification . You must also meet the other requirements of that exception. Home Affairs
In vocational training, these are examples of how you can advance to the next level:
| If you’re done… | A higher-level course would be... |
|---|---|
| Certificate III, Level 3 | Certificate IV, Level 4 |
| Certificate IV, Level 4 | Diploma, Level 5 |
| Diploma, Level 5 | Advanced Diploma, Level 6 |
These are the official levels of Australian qualifications. You don’t have to complete them all or necessarily follow this sequence. The next program will depend on what you want to study and its entry requirements. Australian Qualifications Framework
For example, if you complete a Certificate III and want to study for a Certificate IV, you would be moving up a level. If you complete a Certificate IV and enroll in another Certificate IV, even in a different subject, you would remain at the same level and would not meet this progression requirement. Australian Qualifications Framework
Moving up a level is only one part of the rule. It does not guarantee that you can apply from within Australia. This is where Australian Way's acompañamiento comes in: we look at the course you've finished, what you want to study next and whether you may be able to apply without leaving the country.
3. Changing education providers is harder during the first 12 months
From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, the restricted period for changing education providers increases from six to twelve months of the principal course for students in non-school education. Some exceptions allow you to request a transfer earlier. Department of Education
One detail is easy to miss: in a package that combines English with vocational education, the principal course is usually the final course. The 12-month clock may not start when you arrive or when your English classes begin. Home Affairs
Another change starts on 1 July 2027. To move to a new provider, you'll need to obtain the new visa before the course begins. It will keep the expiry date of your previous visa. Minister for Home Affairs
Choose your education provider carefully. Know the course and its conditions before you enrol.
4. In most cases, you can no longer add your partner or children to a new Student Visa application
From 2 October 2026, the general rule is that you cannot include your partner or dependent children in a new Student Visa application.
The rule has five main exceptions:
- Students undertaking a doctorate or PhD.
- Students from certain Pacific or ASEAN countries, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
- Students sponsored by the Australian Departments of Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Students with a foreign government scholarship that fully funds their studies in Australia.
- People whose partner or children are already included in their current Student Visa, in certain circumstances and subject to the relevant requirements. Home Affairs
When family members can be included, they must apply at the same time and from the same place as the student. You cannot add a partner or child after the visa has been granted. Applications lodged before 2 October are assessed under the previous rules. Home Affairs
Planning to travel with your family? Australian Way can help you check whether they can be included and what they need before you book the trip.
5. Can one visa cover both English and vocational courses?
Yes, you can apply for a visa that includes both courses before you travel , Provided that one leads to the other and you meet the requirements. You must include enrollment confirmations for both programs in your application. Home Affairs
If you want to improve your English to later access a vocational course at the required level, it’s advisable to consider this option from the beginning. You can prepare for the English course you need first and then for the vocational training, known as VET.
This way you can request that the visa covers both courses, instead of traveling only with the English course and assuming that you can apply for another visa when you finish it.
From October 2, 2026 , Applicants for another Student Visa within Australia generally cannot include a new package, except in specific cases. Home Affairs
Australian Way helps you assess how much English you need and which vocational course best suits your study goals. The package must make sense for your objectives and meet the requirements; however, booking it does not guarantee visa approval.
6. If you were planning to study for a Graduate Diploma of Management, check which one is
The change specifically affects the BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) .
From October 5, 2026 , Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this course cannot admit or start new international students. Registration confirmations for those who had not yet begun the course are also cancelled. Those who had already started may continue according to applicable regulations. ASQA
If this name appears in your quote or package, please consult with Australian Way before proceeding to review alternatives.
How do these changes affect your trip?
It depends on where you are, what visa you have, and what you want to study. It also depends on whether you’re going alone or with your family.
If you’re planning your trip or finishing a course in Australia, Australian Way helps you review your situation before booking the next step . You can request a free session to discuss your options with the team.
Consulted official sources
- Student visa: requirements and application, Home Affairs.
- Student visa reforms of October 2, 2026.
- Australian Qualifications Framework.
- Rules for including family members, Home Affairs.
- Changes for international students, Department of Education.
- Cancellation of the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), ASQA.
