Australia Updates Student Visa Rules Effective October 2026

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant changes to its Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) regulations, which will take effect on 2 October 2026. The new rules focus on eligibility for visa applications from within Australia and the inclusion of family members in applications.

Four categories of applicants will be directly affected: those applying for a student visa from within Australia, current student visa holders seeking an additional visa, individuals wishing to include family members in their original application, and those planning to have family members join them later. The Department emphasized that Australia remains welcoming to international students despite these updates and advised individuals in the affected categories to understand how the new rules apply to their situations before making any decisions regarding visas, study, travel, or relocation.

This guidance is particularly pertinent for Nigerian and other African students currently studying in Australia or preparing to start courses there.