Student Visa Changes from 2 October 2026: What WHMs Need to Know
From 2 October 2026, Australia changed the rules for Student visa (subclass 500) applications. The biggest change for many of our readers: most temporary visa holders, including Working Holiday Makers, can no longer apply for a Student visa while they are in Australia. Here's a plain-English summary of what the official sources say.
What changed on 2 October 2026
In-country applications: according to Study Australia's October 2026 update, most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. It says this includes Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders.
Exemptions listed by Study Australia include DFAT- or Defence-sponsored students, doctoral study, primary or secondary school study, provider default, up to 12 extra months to finish a course with the same provider, and progressing to a higher-level course after finishing the main course.
Family members: in most cases, family members can't be added to a new Student visa application, and they can't be added after a Student visa is granted. Some groups are exempt.
Current Student visas: Study Australia says the changes do not affect Student visas that have already been granted.
Changing providers: a new Transfer stream within the Student visa is planned. Details have not been released yet.
What it means if you're on a Working Holiday visa
If you hold a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462) and you're planning to move onto a Student visa, the official guidance says you would generally need to apply from outside Australia. Factor this into your timing, travel and budget, and check the latest rules before you make plans.
Studying while you're still on your Working Holiday visa is a separate question. Home Affairs sets the study limit for Working Holiday Makers through visa condition 8548 (up to 4 months of study or training). See Home Affairs: Working Holiday Maker work and study conditions and check your own conditions in VEVO.
Are you on a Working Holiday visa (417/462)? See the course options on our Fast-track courses page. Course length, intakes and timetables vary by provider.
Not migration advice
This article is general information only, not migration advice. We International is an education agency working with registered migration partners, and we can't guarantee any visa outcome. Your situation may have exemptions or timing issues that need a professional to check. For advice, see our Migration Support page. We can refer you to a registered migration agent.
Sources
Department of Home Affairs, Changes to Student visa application rules (subclasses 500 & 590), new rules from 2 October 2026 (page last updated 14 October 2026).
Study Australia (Australian Government), Student visa changes: October 2026 update, 7 October 2026.
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