Student visa rules have changed repeatedly in recent years. We help students, and their families, plan a course of study that meets the visa requirements and leads somewhere afterwards.
We advise on Student visas (subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485), changing course or provider, and refusals.
How we help
- Student visa applications and the Genuine Student requirement
- Changing course, provider or visa
- Temporary Graduate (485) applications
- Planning a pathway from study to a skilled or sponsored visa
- Visa condition breaches and cancellation notices
- Student visa refusals and appeals
Good to know
- The Genuine Student requirement
- Applicants must show they are genuinely coming to study. The requirement replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant test in 2024, and your answers need to fit your study history and plans.
- Changes from 2 October 2026
- Most new student visa applicants can no longer include a partner or children in their application, and holders of some visa types can't apply for a student visa from within Australia. Some groups are exempt.
- Temporary Graduate visa streams
- The 485 has Post-Higher Education Work and Post-Vocational Education Work streams, plus a second stay for some graduates who studied in regional areas. Since 1 July 2024 the age limit is generally 35.
- Plan your next step early
- A 485 is temporary. Use it to build the work experience, English results or skills assessment you need for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
General information current at October 2026, not legal advice. Laws, thresholds and fees change — get advice on your circumstances.
Questions
Can I apply for a student visa from inside Australia?
Many people can, but since 2 October 2026 holders of certain visas can't apply for a student visa onshore. We'll check your current visa before you enrol.
Can my partner or children come with me?
Since 2 October 2026, most new student visa applicants can't include a partner or children, although some groups are exempt. Get advice before you apply.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Generally 35 or under when you apply. Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, and Masters by research and PhD graduates, can apply if they are under 50.
My student visa was refused. What can I do?
If you applied in Australia, you may be able to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal — act quickly, as the deadline is short and generally can't be extended. If you applied from overseas, a new application may be the better path.