{"id":1025913,"date":"2026-11-13T11:11:28","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T01:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soledu.net\/au\/?p=1025913"},"modified":"2026-11-13T11:15:57","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T01:15:57","slug":"student-visa-dependants-australia-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soledu.net\/au\/blog\/student-visa-dependants-australia-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Bring My Family on an Australian Student Visa? Student Visa Dependents Rules for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The student visa dependents rules in Australia changed in 2026, and the change affects thousands of families. For years, international students could bring a partner and children with them, or have family join later in the course. Many families planned their study abroad around exactly that.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On 2 October 2026, that changed. Most new Student visa (subclass 500) applicants can no longer include a partner or dependent children, and nobody can add family after a visa is granted.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have already paid a deposit, accepted an offer, or told your family they could join you next semester, this news can feel overwhelming. Getting it wrong could mean a refused application, lost fees, or months apart from the people you love.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The good news: some students are still exempt, families already on a visa are protected, and other options exist. This guide explains, in plain language, who the new rules affect, who can still bring family, and what to do next.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" id=\"1\">What changed for student visa family members on 2 October 2026?<\/h3><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants cannot include a partner or dependent children in their application. Family also cannot be added after a Student visa is granted, and the Department of Home Affairs states there are no exemptions to that second rule.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The new rules apply to the Student visa (subclass 500) and the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/changes-to-student-visa-application-rules-500-590\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Department of Home Affairs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, they change two things: who can apply for a visa while inside Australia, and whether family members can be included.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Home Affairs says the changes may affect you if you are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">applying for a Student visa while in Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a Student visa holder applying for another Student visa<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">planning to include family members in your application<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hoping family can join you later in your course<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A &#8220;dependent&#8221; (also called a secondary applicant or family member) means your partner (married or de facto) and your dependent children. A &#8220;subsequent entrant&#8221; is a family member who applies to join a student after the student&#8217;s visa has already been granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1056\" aria-rowcount=\"6\" aria-colcount=\"3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Situation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before 2 October 2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From 2 October 2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Including partner and children in a new application<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally allowed<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Only if you meet an exemption<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Family joining later (subsequent entrant)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Allowed<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not allowed, no exemptions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Applying for a further Student visa with family<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally allowed<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Limited, only in specific situations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Applying for a Student visa from inside Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Allowed for most temporary visa holders<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not allowed for most temporary visa holders<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"6\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Applications already lodged<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Old rules<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Still assessed under old rules<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\nThe government flagged the change on 17 September 2026, and the regulations took effect less than three weeks later. That short notice is why many families were caught mid-plan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" id=\"2\">Who can still bring a partner or children on a student visa?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Four groups of students can still include family when they apply: PhD students, students sponsored by DFAT or Defence, foreign government scholarship recipients, and eligible students from Pacific countries and ASEAN member countries. Home Affairs lists these exemptions on its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/changes-to-student-visa-application-rules-500-590\/family-members\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">family members page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1056\" aria-rowcount=\"5\" aria-colcount=\"3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Exemption group<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who it covers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">PhD students<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students enrolled in a doctoral degree<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A coursework Master&#8217;s or Master by Research does not count<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DFAT or Defence sponsored<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Usually Australia Awards and similar programs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foreign government scholarship<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students on a scholarship from their home government<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reportedly must fully fund the studies<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pacific and ASEAN students<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Eligible students holding a passport from a Pacific country or an ASEAN member country<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Based on the student&#8217;s passport, not where they live<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\nOne rule applies to every exemption. You and your family must all be in the same location when you lodge: either everyone in Australia, or everyone outside Australia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" id=\"3\">Which countries count under the Pacific and ASEAN exemption?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Pacific and ASEAN exemption depends on the passport the main student holds. This matters a great deal for SOL Edu students from Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, who may still be able to study in Australia with their families.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The ASEAN member countries are:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1056\" aria-rowcount=\"3\" aria-colcount=\"2\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Region<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Countries<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ASEAN<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pacific<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pacific island countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The word &#8220;eligible&#8221; matters. Being from one of these countries does not guarantee the exemption, because other criteria in the regulations also apply. Check your situation before you lodge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Does a foreign government scholarship qualify?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, a foreign government scholarship can qualify. This is relevant for many students from the Middle East and Latin America whose governments fund overseas study. Keep your scholarship letter ready, because you will need to prove the sponsorship when you apply.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >Can my family join me later after my visa is granted?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No. Since 2 October 2026, no Student visa holder can add a partner or child after the visa is granted, and Home Affairs states there are no exemptions to this rule. This applies even to PhD students and students from exempt countries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is the change that catches families out most often. In the past, a common plan was for the student to arrive first, find housing and settle in, then bring the family a few months later. That pathway, the &#8220;subsequent entrant&#8221; application, no longer exists.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Example:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Linh is a Vietnamese student starting a Master&#8217;s in Brisbane. She planned to bring her husband in March. Because Linh holds a Vietnamese passport, she may qualify for the ASEAN exemption, but only if she includes her husband <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">when she first applies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. If she applies alone, she cannot add him later.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The lesson is simple: if you are exempt and want your family with you at any point, include them in your original application.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >What if my family is already on my student visa?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your family was granted a visa with you, or your application with family was lodged before 2 October 2026, you are protected. Home Affairs confirms that applications lodged before that date are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged, including applications that already included family members. (See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.studyaustralia.gov.au\/en\/tools-and-resources\/news\/student-visa-changes-october-2026\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Study Australia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your current visa keeps its conditions. Your partner keeps their existing rights, and your children can stay in school.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >What happens when I apply for a further student visa?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may be able to keep your family on a further Student visa in some situations. According to the Department of Home Affairs, you may be able to include family already on your current visa if you:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are applying in Australia and are eligible to do so, for example because you finished your main course and are progressing to further study<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Need up to 12 more months to complete the main course covered by your current visa<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\u2022\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;8226&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\u2022&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Need to apply again because your education provider defaulted (closed or stopped delivering your course)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In every case, you and your family must be in the same location when you lodge. If your situation does not fit one of these, speak to a registered migration agent before your visa expires.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >Can my partner switch to their own student visa in Australia?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Usually not from inside Australia. Since 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia, and this includes people who hold a Student visa as a dependant and now want to become the main student. In most cases, your partner would need to leave Australia and apply from overseas.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The onshore restriction also covers Working Holiday Maker and Skills in Demand visa holders, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.studyaustralia.gov.au\/en\/tools-and-resources\/news\/student-visa-changes-october-2026\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Study Australia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Some current Student visa holders can still apply onshore, for example when they progress to a higher-level course, but each exception has detailed criteria.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your partner is thinking about studying, plan the timing carefully. Applying from overseas can mean travel costs, time apart, and waiting for a decision outside Australia. Home Affairs publishes a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/Visa-subsite\/files\/student-visa-decision-tree-can-i-apply-in-australia.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">decision tree on applying in Australia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that is a useful first check.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >What can student visa dependents do in Australia?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dependents who are already on a Student visa, or who come under an exemption, can work, study short courses, and send their children to school. Their rights depend mostly on the main student&#8217;s course level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1056\" aria-rowcount=\"5\" aria-colcount=\"3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Area<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What dependents can do<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key condition<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Work (partner)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Up to 48 hours per fortnight<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unlimited hours if the main student has started a Master&#8217;s or doctorate degree<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When work can start<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Only after the main student&#8217;s course has begun<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check conditions on VEVO<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Study (partner)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Short courses of up to 3 months<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Longer study needs their own Student visa<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">School (children)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">School-age children must attend school<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most states charge international fees for dependents<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\nWork limits are set by visa condition 8104. Universities such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/student.unsw.edu.au\/visa\/work\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">UNSW<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> explain that family members of students who have started a Master&#8217;s or doctorate degree can work unrestricted hours, while family of all other students are capped at 48 hours a fortnight.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For families in Brisbane, school fees for dependent children are set by the Queensland Government and vary by school year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can check any visa holder&#8217;s exact conditions on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">VEVO<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online service.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >What are the alternatives if I'm not exempt?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you are not exempt, your family can still come to Australia, but each person needs a visa in their own right. The most common options are a separate Student visa for your partner, visitor visas for short trips, or choosing a course that brings you under an exemption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1056\" aria-rowcount=\"5\" aria-colcount=\"5\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Option<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who it suits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Work rights<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Where to apply<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"65536\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Main limitation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Partner applies for their own Student visa<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Partners who also want to study<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, as a student (48 hours per fortnight in session)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Usually outside Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Partner pays full tuition and meets all requirements alone<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Visitor visa (subclass 600)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Short family visits during holidays<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Outside Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stays are temporary and must be genuine visits<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enrol in a PhD<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students with strong research goals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Family can work unlimited hours<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inside or outside Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">PhD entry is competitive and long<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Government-funded scholarship<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Students eligible for home-government or DFAT funding<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Depends on the course<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Outside Australia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Limited places<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Option 1:<\/strong> Your partner studies too<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is often the most practical choice for couples. Your partner chooses their own course, such as an English (ELICOS), vocational (VET) or university program, and applies for their own Student visa. Because each of you is a main student, each of you gets your own work rights. The trade-off is the cost of two sets of tuition fees, health cover and living-cost evidence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Option 2:<\/strong> Visits during study breaks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some families decide the student will study alone, with family visiting during semester breaks on visitor visas. This suits shorter courses, such as a one-year Graduate Diploma. Visitor visa holders cannot work and generally cannot switch to a Student visa from inside Australia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Option 3:<\/strong> Rethink your course or funding<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you were already considering research, a PhD brings your family back into scope. It also gives your partner unlimited work rights. If your home government offers study scholarships, it is worth applying, because a qualifying scholarship is also an exemption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/scontent-gru1-1.xx.fbcdn.net\/v\/t1.15752-9\/901451193_1441056808201621_4600514443735124416_n.png?_nc_cat=111&amp;_nc_map=urlgen_bucketless&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=fc17b8&amp;_nc_ohc=DKgHWlKxghYQ7kNvwGdmpZ_&amp;_nc_oc=Adr5DtOSqKxxq7OXTNafpkDb9oU-RHd76v2Dv7PvmdR1adeaRD2K46dAIROAO0Oz7mw&amp;_nc_ad=z-m&amp;_nc_cid=0&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-gru1-1.xx&amp;_nc_ss=7a22e&amp;oh=03_Q7cD6wH5di7oPi3ZwLaxQ5ofwCiV1CFwyqJ_K5tFztLcmD6OCA&amp;oe=6B1DE1FB\" width=\"824\" height=\"464\" \/><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >How should families plan their study in Australia now?<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Plan before you pay. Check your exemption status, decide who will travel, and lodge everyone together if you qualify. Home Affairs itself advises applicants to understand the new rules before making visa, study, travel or relocation plans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use this checklist before you commit:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check your exemption.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Are you a PhD student, government-sponsored, a scholarship holder, or a passport holder from a Pacific or ASEAN country?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Decide now who is coming.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you are exempt, include your family in your first application, because you cannot add them later.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep everyone in the same place.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> You and your family must all be inside, or all outside, Australia when you lodge.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check your current visa dates.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If your family is already with you, know whether you can apply for a further visa onshore before your current one expires.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Budget for separate visas.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If your partner needs their own Student visa, include their tuition, health cover and living costs in your plans.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:&#091;65533,0&#093;,&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Get advice before paying deposits.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A registered migration agent can confirm your options before you accept an offer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use the official Home Affairs <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/Visa-subsite\/files\/student-visa-decision-tree-can-i-include-family.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">decision tree on including family<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> as a first check, then confirm with a professional.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_raw_code wpb_raw_html wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Can I bring my wife or husband on a Master's student visa in Australia?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"For most Master's students, no. Since 2 October 2026, a coursework Master's or Master by Research is not an exemption. You can include your partner only if you also fall into another exempt group, such as holding a Pacific or ASEAN passport, a qualifying foreign government scholarship, or DFAT or Defence sponsorship.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Are Vietnamese and Thai students exempt from the student visa family restrictions?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"They may be. Eligible students holding a passport from an ASEAN member country, including Vietnam and Thailand, can still include family members when they apply. Family must be included in the first application, because nobody can add family after a Student visa is granted.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Can my children go to school in Australia if I'm on a student visa?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Yes, if your children are already on your Student visa or you qualify for an exemption. School-age dependants must attend school, and in most states, including Queensland, international fees apply to children of student visa holders.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Does the new rule apply if I lodged my application before 2 October 2026?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"No. Student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged, including applications that already included family members.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Can my partner visit me on a visitor visa while I study?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Yes, for a genuine short visit such as during semester breaks. A visitor visa does not allow work, and visitor visa holders generally cannot apply for a Student visa from inside Australia.\"\r\n      }\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >Frequently asked questions about student visa dependents in Australia<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Can I bring my wife or husband on a Master&#8217;s student visa in Australia?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For most Master&#8217;s students, no. Since 2 October 2026, a coursework Master&#8217;s or Master by Research is not an exemption. You can include your partner only if you also fall into another exempt group, such as holding a Pacific or ASEAN passport, a qualifying foreign government scholarship, or DFAT or Defence sponsorship. Otherwise, your partner would need their own visa, such as a separate Student visa.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Are Vietnamese and Thai students exempt from the student visa family restrictions?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They may be. Eligible students holding a passport from an ASEAN member country, including Vietnam and Thailand, can still include family members when they apply. &#8220;Eligible&#8221; means other criteria also apply, so check your situation before lodging. Remember that family must be included in your first application, because nobody can add family after a Student visa is granted.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Can my children go to school in Australia if I&#8217;m on a student visa?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, if your children are already on your Student visa or you qualify for an exemption. School-age dependants must attend school while in Australia. In most states, including Queensland, international fees apply to children of student visa holders, so include school fees in your budget.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Does the new rule apply if I lodged my application before 2 October 2026?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No. Home Affairs confirms that Student visa applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged, including applications that already included family members. A visa already granted with family included also continues on its existing terms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><strong>Can my partner visit me on a visitor visa while I study?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, your partner can apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600) for a genuine short visit, such as during semester breaks. A visitor visa does not allow work, and since 2 October 2026 visitor visa holders generally cannot apply for a Student visa from inside Australia. Visits must be temporary.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid dt-default\" style=\"margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;text-align: left;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:700;font-style:normal\" class=\"vc_custom_heading vc_do_custom_heading\" >Not sure if your family can come with you? Talk to SOL Edu<\/h2><div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_border_width_5 vc_sep_pos_align_left vc_separator_no_text wpb_content_element  wpb_content_element\"   style=\"width: 30%;\"><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span style=\"border-top-color:#ffe060;\" class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\">The 2026 student visa dependants rules are strict, and one wrong step, such as applying alone when you were exempt, cannot be undone. Since 2002, SOL Edu has helped international students from Asia, Latin America, India and the Middle East plan their study in Australia from our office in Brisbane.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Our education counsellors and registered migration agents can check whether you qualify for an exemption, help you choose a course and timeline that suits your family, and prepare your application so everyone who is eligible is included from the start.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soledu.net\/au\/#contact\">Book a free consultation with SOL Edu today \u2192<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><em>This article is general information only and is not legal or migration advice. Visa rules can change at short notice, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent about your situation.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"4\">Related reading<\/h3>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soledu.net\/au\/blog\/surviving-the-cost-of-living-2024\/\">Surviving the Cost of Living: Financial Tips for International Students in Australia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soledu.net\/au\/blog\/what-is-485-visa\/\">Temporary Graduate visa (485) guide for international students<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The student visa dependents rules in Australia changed in 2026, and the change affects thousands of families. For years, international students could bring a partner and children with them, or have family join later in the course. Many families planned their study abroad around exactly that.\u00a0 On 2 October 2026, that changed. Most new Student&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":104,"featured_media":1025909,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1025913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-migration-visa","category-blog","category-50","category-15","description-off"],"acf":[],"discount_description":"","discount_more_information":"","discount_ticket":"","discount_image":"","discount_logo":"","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can I Bring My Family on an Australian Student Visa? 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