Australia Imposes Stricter Student Visa Rules for International Students

Australia has rolled out a series of new student visa restrictions that will significantly impact international students, including those from India. The updated rules, effective from October 2026, include stricter limitations on bringing dependents, stricter requirements for changing education providers, and restrictions on onshore student visa applications.

During the National Migration Conference, Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for International Education, emphasized that while migration benefits Australia, the previous government's policies led to excessively high net overseas migration. He highlighted that changes have already reduced net overseas migration by nearly 50% since the post-COVID peak. The new rules aim to ensure that temporary visa holders leave Australia before their visas expire.

Under the new regulations, 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 face specific requirements, with limited exemptions. Additionally, changing education providers has become more challenging, with students now required to remain in their principal course for 12 months before transferring, up from six months previously.

For Indian students planning to bring their spouse or children to Australia, the changes to dependent rules are particularly significant. Family members can now accompany students only in limited circumstances, such as pursuing a PhD, receiving a government scholarship, or being from an ASEAN or Pacific Island nation. The reforms are intended to strengthen the integrity of the student visa system while continuing to allow genuine international students to study in Australia.