Changing Providers in Australia: Student Visa Update

What Has Changed?

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has updated its guidance for students who need another Student visa to finish their studies. If you changed education providers since your current visa was granted, or your provider has given you more than 12 months to finish your course, you will generally need to apply from outside Australia.

Home Affairs updated this guidance on October 22, 2026. The wider rule changes began on October 2, 2026, and visa applications lodged before that date are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged.

Who Is Affected?

• Students who changed provider: your new provider enrolled you, but you need a new Student visa to finish there.
• Students who need more than 12 more months: your provider extended your study time past the point the onshore exemption allows.
• Students applying for a further visa: most current Student visa holders can no longer lodge another Student visa from inside Australia unless an exemption applies.

Your current visa is not affected. The change applies when you need to apply for a new one.

Exemptions That Still Allow an Onshore Application

Home Affairs lists situations where you may still apply from inside Australia. These include:

• Up to 12 more months: you need extra time but stay with the same provider.
• Moving to a higher course: you finished a main course and are moving to a higher qualification level.
• Provider default: your education provider can no longer deliver your course.
• Special groups: sponsored students (DFAT or Defence), PhD students, and school students.

What to Do Before Making Plans

1. Check your course end dateWork out whether you will need more than 12 months and whether the same provider is involved.
2. Check before you transferIf you plan to change providers, understand that you may have to leave Australia to apply for your next visa. A new Transfer stream has been announced but details are still to come.
3. Read the official guidanceIt covers preparation, health checks and possible biometrics collection.
4. Plan travel and fundsIf you must apply offshore, plan the travel, the time away from your course and your finances.
5. Talk to a registered migration agentRules and exemptions are specific to your visa and course.

Frequently Asked Questions