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Home Affairs5002 October 2026

Student Visa Applications Must Now Be Made from Outside Australia

From 1 October 2026, student visa applications can only be submitted from outside Australia. This affects anyone planning to study in Australia.

Official source ↗

Home Affairs has introduced a new rule requiring all student visa applications to be made from outside Australia, effective 1 October 2026. This means you must lodge your application before entering the country, rather than applying from within Australia. The change applies to student visa subclass 500 applications. If you're planning to study in Australia, you'll need to complete your visa application and receive approval before you travel. Contact Home Affairs or visit their website for guidance on the application process and requirements. This rule ensures proper assessment of applications before students arrive in the country.

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