Recent media reports indicate that the Australian Government is considering restricting international students’ ability to include their partners and children when applying for a student visa.
Reports published in late August 2026 suggest the Government may introduce UK-style restrictions that would prevent most Student visa applicants from including family members as additional applicants.
It is currently speculated that the new restriction will affect most student visa applications with the exception of:
- postgraduate research students, including Masters by Research and PhD students;
- students from Pacific nations and Timor-Leste;
- foreign-government scholarship recipients; and
- students sponsored by Australian government departments.
The proposed restrictions are part of a broader migration package reportedly expected to be announced in September 2026.
Have the rules changed?
No. As at 30 August 2026, the Government has not formally announced or legislated these changes.
The current Migration Regulations continue to allow eligible Student visa applicants to include a qualifying spouse, de facto partner and dependent children under 18, subject to meeting the usual visa requirements.
The reported proposal should therefore be treated as a possible future change—not an existing rule.
What should prospective applicants do?
Applicants planning to study in Australia with their partner or children should carefully consider their circumstances, begin preparing early and lodge their application within an appropriate timeframe. However, applicants should not rush to submit an incomplete or poorly prepared application merely in response to media reports or speculation.
At this stage, any proposed changes remain speculative. The Australian Government has not confirmed whether the regulations will change, what any changes may involve, when they might commence or whether transitional arrangements will apply.
We will provide a further update if and when the Government releases official details.
If your plans depend on including your partner or children in a Student visa application, contact our migration team to discuss your circumstances and the options currently available.
This article contains general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Full Article details –
Australia weighs major new restrictions on international students, The Australian reports
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