Your student visa options, made clear.
In force since 2 October 2026. Most people now need to be outside Australia to lodge, and to be granted, a new Student visa. But some students can still apply here, and there are good pathways for everyone else. Find yours in a minute.
- Offshorefor most temporary visa holders — lodge and be granted outside Australia
- Onshorestill possible for some current students — e.g. up to 12 more months, or moving up an AQF level
- 485up to age 49 for Masters (research) and PhD graduates
What the law says now In force
From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders, including most Student visa holders, can't lodge a new Student (500) or Student Guardian (590) visa while in Australia, unless an exemption applies.
What changed
- Not exempt? You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
- Family generally can't be included in a new student visa application.
- Family can't be added after grant (subsequent entrants). No exemptions.
- Family on your current visa may be included on your next onshore application. You and your family must be in the same place when you apply.
- Applications lodged before 2 October stay on the old rules.
Main onshore exemptions
- You finished your course and are moving up to a higher AQF level. A completed higher education course must lead to another higher education course.
- Up to 12 more months to finish your main course with the same provider.
- PhD students; DFAT- or Defence-sponsored students; school students.
- Certain moves between non-AQF and AQF courses.
- Your education provider defaulted.
Family can still be included for PhD, DFAT/Defence, foreign-government-scholarship and eligible Pacific/ASEAN students.
Home Affairs guidance (22 October 2026): if you changed provider after your visa was granted, or you need more than 12 months, the course completion exemption doesn't apply. You must be outside Australia when you lodge and when the visa is granted.
Priya finished her Bachelor's in Sydney and is starting a Master's. Moving up an AQF level, so she may apply in Australia.
Anil finished one Master's and wants a second Master's at a new provider. Same level, so he must apply from outside Australia.
Rahim married after his visa was granted. His wife can't be added to his student visa, and can't be included in his next one unless he is exempt.
Home Affairs is consulting on stricter money evidence and a new Genuine Student test. These are proposals, not decided.
Can you still apply in Australia?
Answer a few questions. You'll see whether you can likely lodge here or need to lodge offshore — and the right next step.
Your current Student visa isn't affected. The new rules only change where you lodge your next application.
If the rules say offshore, you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted — not just when you lodge.
Can I still apply in Australia?
How we help
Each one is a clear, fixed-fee service with a named case officer — from the first check to the grant.
Student Visa Readiness & Risk Check
Not sure yet? Students, parents and guardians who want to know their risks before paying a visa fee.
- Onshore, offshore or family track
- Funds and Genuine Student story checked
- Written risk summary
Student visa extension & offshore re-application
Current students who need more time, want a new course, or hold a visa that now blocks onshore lodgement.
- Written exemption check: onshore or offshore
- Offshore timing plan so the grant happens while you're outside
- Funds, OSHC and Genuine Student coaching
- Lodgement and grant briefing
Bachelor → Masters or Masters by Research
Bachelor graduates moving up a level, and anyone considering a Masters by Research.
- AQF level and pathway check
- Course shortlist that protects your 485 and PR options
- Research track: supervisor outreach and proposal structure
- Student visa — onshore if you qualify
Temporary Graduate (485)
Graduates finishing an eligible Australian qualification, including research graduates up to age 49.
- Eligibility check: age, 6-month rule, AFP check, English
- Right stream and second regional 485 check
- Lodgement
- PR roadmap for your 485 years
The process, step by step
The same five steps for every client — so you always know what happens next.
Check
A 60-second check, then a free 10-minute call to confirm: onshore or offshore.
Plan
A written plan: course, AQF level, dates, costs and where you'll lodge.
Prepare
CoE, funds, OSHC and Genuine Student answers — prepared with you.
Lodge
Quality-checked lodgement. If offshore, timed so you're outside at grant.
Grant & next step
Grant explained, then your 485 and PR roadmap.
Moving to a new course? The AQF test
Current students can lodge in Australia if they've completed their course and are moving to a higher AQF level. After higher education, the next course must also be higher education, delivered by a higher education provider.
| Completed course | Next course | Apply in Australia? |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma (AQF 5) | Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Likely yes — Higher level |
| Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Graduate Certificate / Diploma / Honours (AQF 8) | Likely yes — Higher level (higher education provider) |
| Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Masters — coursework or research (AQF 9) | Likely yes — Higher level |
| Masters coursework (AQF 9) | Masters by Research (AQF 9) | Offshore — Same level |
| Masters (AQF 9) | PhD (AQF 10) | Likely yes — PhD is an exemption |
| Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Another Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Offshore — Same level |
| Bachelor's (AQF 7) | Diploma or VET course | Offshore — Lower level / not higher education |
| Current course, same provider | Up to 12 more months to finish | Likely yes — Extension exemption |
Always confirm the AQF level of the exact course with the provider.
Real situations
Examples based on the Home Affairs rules. Your situation may differ — that's what the free call is for.
Rahim needs 8 more months to finish his Bachelor at the same university.
Can likely apply in Australia (up to 12 months, same provider).
Student visa extension & offshore re-applicationPriya needs 14 more months after a leave of absence.
Over 12 months — lodge from outside Australia, outside at grant.
Student visa extension & offshore re-applicationAli finished a Bachelor of Business and wants a Master of Professional Accounting at another uni.
Higher AQF level — can likely apply in Australia.
Bachelor → Masters or Masters by ResearchMei finished a coursework Masters and wants a Masters by Research.
Same AQF level — lodge offshore.
Bachelor → Masters or Masters by ResearchNadia is on a 485 and wants to study again.
No exemptions for 485 holders — offshore only. Her 485 may suit a skilled pathway instead.
Student visa extension & offshore re-applicationKarim is a Student visa dependant and wants his own Student visa.
No exemptions — offshore only.
Student visa extension & offshore re-applicationLina, 34, is finishing her Bachelor.
Can apply for a 485 if she meets the criteria — and plan PR from day one.
Temporary Graduate (485)Arif, 38, is finishing a Masters by Research.
Research graduates can apply for a 485 under age 50.
Temporary Graduate (485)Need just one piece?
Stand-alone help for people managing their own application.
Exemption & AQF check
A written answer: onshore or offshore
Genuine Student coaching
Two sessions; your answers, in your own words
Funds evidence review
Amounts, sources and history checked
OSHC arranged
Cover for your whole stay
Can't apply the usual way? Other legal options
Studying again isn't the only path. These are worth comparing before you leave Australia.
Sources
- Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500)
- Home Affairs — Applying for another Student visa (updated 22 Oct 2026)
- Home Affairs — Applying for a Student visa while in Australia
- Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (485)
- Study Australia — Student visa (500)
Rules checked 4 November 2026; fees and funds checked 28 October 2026. We confirm your exact situation before you act.
General information only, not legal advice for your situation, and no visa outcome is guaranteed. Omar Nafiz, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2318164.
