Since 2 October 2026, most people applying for a Student visa can no longer include a partner or children. Citizens of ASEAN and Pacific countries are exempt, along with doctoral (PhD) students, fully funded foreign government scholarship holders, and students sponsored by DFAT or Defence. Nobody can add family members after the visa is granted.
What Changed
Until 2 October 2026, most international students could include their partner and children in their Student visa application. Under the new rules, students applying for a first or further Student visa can no longer include family members unless an exemption applies. The Government says the aim is to keep Student and Temporary Graduate visas focused on their main purpose: temporary study and post-study work.
Who Is Exempt
- Citizens of ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste.
- Citizens of Pacific countries.
- Doctoral (PhD) students.
- Recipients of a fully funded foreign government scholarship.
- Students sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the Department of Defence.
If you are an ASEAN citizen, this is good news: you can still bring your partner and children, provided you meet the other visa requirements and include them in your application.
The Rule With No Exceptions
You cannot add family members after your Student visa has been granted. This applies to everyone, including exempt groups. If you leave your family out of your application, they may not be able to join you on your Student visa later.
Families Already in Australia
The Government has said it will not split up families who are already here. You can include the same family members in a new Student visa application if:
- they were included in your visa or visa application before 2 October 2026, and
- you are eligible to apply for a further Student visa while in Australia.
Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the old rules, including those that already included family members.
Temporary Graduate (485) Visas Are Next
The Government has said it will also limit family members on Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas. No start date or details have been released yet. 485 holders keep unlimited work rights.
What It Costs for ASEAN Families
| Applicant | ASEAN passport | Standard charge |
|---|---|---|
| Main student | AUD 2,050 | AUD 2,500 |
| Family member aged 18 or over | AUD 1,255 | AUD 1,530 |
| Family member under 18 | AUD 410 | AUD 500 |
You will also need to show enough money for each family member and buy health cover (OSHC) for everyone. Our funds calculator works out the total.
What You Should Do
- Decide now who is comingInclude every family member who will join you in your first application. You can’t add them later.
- Check your exemptionMake sure your passport, course or scholarship puts you in an exempt group before you apply.
- Budget for the whole familyPlan for visa charges, OSHC, living costs and school fees for children.
- Get advice if you are already hereApplying onshore with family is only possible in limited cases. Talk to a registered migration agent first.
More for ASEAN students: Studying in Australia from Southeast Asia.
Not sure how this affects you? Talk to our registered migration agent about your situation.
Book a consultationChecked against official sources on 21 October 2026. Sources: Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules · Study Australia: Student visa changes, October 2026 update
This update is general information, not legal advice. Migration law changes often, so check the official sources or speak to a registered migration agent before you make decisions.