From 2 October 2026, the Australian Government introduced new rules for the Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). These changes focus on determining who can apply for and be granted a visa while in Australia, as well as revising the rules governing the inclusion of family members in Student visa applications.
How will these changes affect people applying for an Australian Student visa from Vietnam after 2 October 2026? What should prospective applicants consider before lodging their applications? Next Gem explores the key details in this article.
1. Key Changes to the New Policy
First, it is important to clarify that the Australian Government continues to welcome international students. You can still apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) if you meet the applicable visa requirements.
According to official guidance from the Department of Home Affairs, four key changes took effect on 2 October 2026:
- Lodging a Student visa application while in Australia: Most temporary visa holders must lodge their Student visa applications from outside Australia.
- Current Student visa holders applying for another Student visa: Most existing Student visa holders cannot freely lodge a further Student visa application while in Australia.
- Including family members in a Student visa application: Most Student visa applicants cannot automatically include their spouse or dependent children in their application, unless they fall within an applicable exception.
- Bringing family members to Australia after a Student visa has been granted: Family members cannot be added to an existing Student visa after it has been granted.
2. How Do the Changes Affect Australian Student Visa Applications Lodged from Vietnam after 2 October 2026?
Based on the policy changes outlined above, applications for an Australian Student visa lodged from Vietnam are generally not directly affected by the new restrictions on where an application can be lodged.
However, the changes may affect applicants who plan to bring their spouse or dependent children to Australia to live with them during their studies.
2.1. Including a Spouse or Dependent Children When Lodging a Student Visa Application
According to the Department of Home Affairs, from 2 October 2026, most Student visa applicants cannot automatically include family members in their applications unless they meet the requirements of an applicable exception.
For Vietnamese citizens lodging their applications from Vietnam, the following considerations are relevant.
Under an exception for Pacific-regional countries and related regions, citizens of certain Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, may be permitted to include eligible family members in their Student visa applications if they apply from outside Australia after 2 October 2026.
Eligible family members under this provision include:
- A spouse or eligible de facto partner.
- Dependent children, as defined under Australian migration law.
The primary applicant and all family members included in the application must be in the same location when the application is lodged.
Being eligible for an exception that allows family members to be included in a Student visa application does not guarantee that those family members will be granted visas. Each applicant must still satisfy the applicable visa requirements.
2.2. Bringing Family Members to Australia After the Primary Applicant Has Been Granted a Student Visa
According to the Department of Home Affairs, from 2 October 2026, a person who has already been granted a Student visa (subclass 500) cannot add family members to their existing visa. This rule does not provide for any exceptions.
Practical implications:
- If your family plans to travel to Australia together, but you have not included your family members in your initial Student visa application, you may need to reconsider your study and migration plans.
- If you intend to travel to Australia first and bring your spouse or children over later, you should identify suitable visa options for your family members before deciding on your overall plan.
- If your family’s intended travel dates have not yet been finalised, your application strategy should take into account your family’s circumstances, financial capacity and the visa requirements applicable to each person.
3. What Should You Do Before Lodging Your Application?
If you plan to study in Australia with your family, it is important to establish a suitable plan during the initial preparation stage. Consider the following steps.
- Plan your family’s travel arrangements
Determine who will accompany the primary applicant and when each family member intends to travel to Australia. This will help you identify an appropriate visa pathway.
- Prepare the required documents
Check the eligibility requirements for each family member and prepare supporting documents to establish the relevant relationship, including evidence of marriage, a de facto relationship or a parent–child relationship, as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Review your budget
Reassess your financial capacity, accommodation arrangements, health insurance, children’s education and any additional expenses that may arise if your family cannot follow the original plan.
- Consider alternative visa options
If some family members intend to travel to Australia at a later date, check whether suitable independent visa options are available for their individual circumstances.
- Verify and update your application
Check the requirements applicable to each visa type, ensure that all supporting documents are complete and consistent, and keep up to date with the latest guidance from the Department of Home Affairs. This can help reduce the risk of unexpected changes to your plans.
Conclusion
Overall, the rules taking effect on 2 October 2026 do not directly affect the ability to lodge an Australian Student visa application from Vietnam. However, if you plan to bring your spouse or dependent children to Australia, it is important to establish your family’s intended pathway from the outset.
Early planning can help you prepare the necessary documents, budget for the associated costs and identify a suitable visa option in accordance with the applicable requirements.
This article is intended to provide general information about Australian Student visa rules taking effect on 2 October 2026. It does not constitute legal advice or replace an assessment of individual circumstances.
>> Contact Next Gem to arrange a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent for an assessment of your circumstances and guidance on a suitable Australian study pathway for you and your family.
Registered Migration Agent: Yen Ngo
MARN: 2619560
Publication date: 26 October 2026
