Changing Course on a Student Visa After 2 Oct 2026

Changing course or provider on a Student visa: do the new onshore rules apply?

Changing course within the conditions of your current visa is one question. Needing a further Student visa is another. If you need a further Student visa from 2 October 2026, you must apply from outside Australia unless an exemption applies. This post explains the exemptions that matter most to current students.

Exemption 1: completing your principal course

This applies if you hold a Student visa, have started your principal course (the course with the highest AQF level, or an alternative principal course with the same provider that is consistent with your visa conditions), have not finished it, and will complete it within 12 months of the end date on your confirmation of enrolment.

Example: a student's course is delayed by one semester because of a failed unit. They stay with the same provider and will finish within 12 months of the original end date. This exemption may apply, subject to their visa conditions.

Exemption 2: progressing to a higher course

This applies if you hold a Student visa, have completed your principal course, and are enrolled in no more than one further course. If the completed course had an AQF level, the next course must have a higher AQF level. If it was a higher education course, the next must be a higher education course at a higher education provider. If the completed course had no AQF level, the next course must have one, or you must have been a school student when you did it.

Example: a student completes a bachelor degree and enrols in one masters degree at a university. That is a higher AQF level, higher education to higher education. Enrolling in two further courses, or moving to a lower level, would not fit this exemption.

Exemption 3: provider default

This applies if you could not complete a registered course because your provider defaulted (the course did not start, stopped being provided, or was not provided in full), you were enrolled on the default day, you need a further visa to complete an alternative course, you apply within 12 months of the default day, and you have not made an earlier application because of the same default.

Exemption 4: doctoral study

A primary applicant enrolled in a course leading to a doctoral degree at the time of application is exempt from the offshore rule.

Other exempt groups

School students, Defence students and Foreign Affairs students are also exempt from the offshore rule.

Before you lodge

Check your visa conditions and your confirmation of enrolment end date.
Check whether your next course is at a higher AQF level, and who your provider is.
Do not lodge in Australia unless an exemption clearly fits. An invalid application will not be considered.

I want to change to a different provider. Which exemption fits?

The progression exemption does not require the same provider. The completion exemption does. Each has its own conditions.

What is my principal course?

The course with the highest AQF level among the courses your visa was granted to study.

Does this apply to my 485?

A 485 holder applying for a Student visa must apply from outside Australia. See our main page on the changes.

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