Student Visa News and Updates
Stay up to date with the latest changes to Australian student visas. This page lists our news articles on the Student visa (subclass 500), the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590), the Genuine Student requirement, English test rules, work hours and pathways after graduation. The newest articles appear first.
Student visa changes from 2 October 2026: For applications lodged on or after 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia can no longer apply for a Student visa onshore, and current Student visa holders can only apply for another Student visa in Australia if an exemption applies (for example, moving to a higher AQF level course, a PhD, or needing up to 12 more months with the same provider). Most new applicants can also no longer include a partner or children, and family members can no longer be added later as subsequent entrants. Read the details in Student visa changes from 2 October 2026.
Current key student visa settings
- Visa application charge: $2,500 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026. See student visa fees.
- Living costs: you must show at least $29,710 a year for yourself, plus amounts for any family members. Use our student visa funds calculator.
- English: the minimum IELTS score is 6.0 (or an equivalent result in another accepted test), with lower scores accepted for some ELICOS and foundation pathways.
- Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
- Genuine Student requirement: applicants answer targeted questions about their study plans. Read our Genuine Student (GS) guide.
- Onshore applications: from 2 October 2026 most people in Australia can only apply for a Student visa onshore if an exemption applies.
Related guides
- Student visa (subclass 500) guide
- Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
- Student visa processing times
- Temporary Graduate 485 visa
- Student visa to PR
- Student visa changes from 2 October 2026
- Student visa fees
Not sure if you meet the requirements? Book a student visa assessment and one of our registered migration agents will review your situation.
