Australia has announced sweeping changes to its international student visa conditions and post-study work visa rules for 2026, marking one of the most significant policy shifts in recent years. These updates directly affect Subclass 500 student visas, post-graduation work options under Subclass 485, visa transitions, work hours, and application processing protocols.
For international students—especially from countries like India where interest in studying in Australia is high—understanding the 2026 Australia student visa rules is essential for successful application and long-term planning.
Subclass 500 Visa: What International Students Need to Know
The Subclass 500 Student Visa allows international students to study, live, and work in Australia during their academic program. Students are also permitted to bring dependent family members, and after completing their studies, they may apply for post-study work pathways.
This visa has long been the entry point for international education in Australia, but from 2026, there are new compliance conditions, financial criteria, and limitations on work hours that students must now meet.
Financial Requirements Tightened for Students and Dependents
To secure a student visa under the new rules, applicants must demonstrate higher financial capacity than in previous years. Here’s what students need:
- Living cost proof: Minimum AUD 29,710 per year for personal expenses.
- Partner (dependent): AUD 10,394 required.
- Dependent child: AUD 4,449 per child.
These financial thresholds must be supported with documentation showing the student can cover tuition fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance (OSHC).
Genuine Student (GS) Test Mandatory in 2026
One of the core changes in the 2026 policy is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaces the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule. Students must now explain in detail:
- Why they chose their specific program and university in Australia.
- How the course aligns with their academic and professional goals.
- Why the program suits their personal circumstances and background.
This GS assessment is designed to filter out non-genuine applicants and uphold the integrity of Australia’s education system.
Student Visa Application Fee and English Test Scores
International students applying in 2026 must budget for visa application fees ranging from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000.
Regarding English language proficiency, the new minimum requirements are:
- IELTS overall score: 6.0
- Foundation/Pathway programs: 5.5
- ELICOS packaged courses: 5.0
These tests must be completed before applying, and documentation must be submitted as part of the application.
Work Rights for Students Under the New Visa Rules
Australia continues to offer generous work rights, but now with stricter monitoring. The current work-hour limits for international students under Subclass 500 are:
- 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
- Unlimited work rights during official semester breaks.
- Master’s by research and PhD students: Unlimited working hours throughout.
This change aims to help students balance academic focus with financial support.
Accelerated Offshore Visa Processing Under Traffic-Light Model
From November 14, 2025, student visa applications will follow Ministerial Direction 115, introducing a traffic-light model for visa processing based on university enrolment cap utilization:
- Green Zone (Below 80%) – Fastest visa approvals.
- Amber Zone (80%-115%) – Normal processing.
- Red Zone (Above 115%) – Delayed processing.
This policy aims to control over-enrolment, support quality education, and prioritize institutions managing their international intakes effectively.
Onshore Visa Switch No Longer Allowed
One of the most impactful changes in 2026 is the restriction on onshore visa transitions. Students can no longer switch from a visitor visa or temporary graduate visa to a student visa from within Australia. All such applications must now be submitted offshore.
This change is meant to deter misuse of temporary pathways and streamline genuine study transitions.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) Rebranded and Modified
International students looking for post-study work opportunities in Australia can apply under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), but the rules have changed significantly:
Renamed Streams:
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Formerly: Post-Study Work Stream
- For bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD graduates from CRICOS-registered institutions.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
- Formerly: Graduate Work Stream
- For VET graduates whose qualification matches a job on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream
- Formerly: Second Post-Study Work Stream
- For graduates from designated regional areas.
Key Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility Criteria (2026 Update)
Here’s what’s new under the revised Subclass 485 guidelines:
- Age Limit: Reduced to 35 years.
- IELTS Requirement: Overall score of 6.5 (minimum 5.5 per band).
- Test validity: IELTS results must be within 12 months of application.
- Course completion: Must be a CRICOS-registered course completed on a student visa.
Post-Study Work Visa Duration 2026
- Bachelor’s and Master’s by Coursework: 2 years
- Master’s by Research and PhD: 3 years
Note: The temporary 2-year extension granted earlier for degrees in skill-shortage fields has ended. However, students who live and work in regional areas may qualify for the Second Post-Study Work Visa stream to extend their stay.
How These New Rules Impact International Students
The new 2026 visa regulations mean that students must:
- Prepare earlier and more thoroughly.
- Be aware of genuine purpose requirements.
- Have stronger financial documentation.
- Apply offshore only with accurate and updated paperwork.
While Australia remains a top choice for international education, being proactive and informed is now more critical than ever.
Guidance for Indian Students Planning to Study in Australia
For Indian students in particular, these changes require detailed preparation. It’s vital to:
- Plan finances in advance (consider currency fluctuations).
- Secure OSHC and academic transcripts early.
- Choose universities in the Green Zone for faster visa processing.
- Seek help from certified education and visa consultants like ImmiLaw Global for accurate support.
FAQs: Australia Student Visa Rules 2026
1. What is the minimum financial requirement for a student visa in Australia in 2026?
You must show a minimum of AUD 29,710 per year for living costs. For dependents, it is AUD 10,394 for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child.
2. What is the new IELTS score requirement for Australia’s Subclass 485 visa in 2026?
Applicants must score an overall 6.5 in IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band, and the test results must be less than 12 months old at the time of application.
3. Can students still switch to a student visa from a visitor or graduate visa inside Australia?
No. From 2026, all such transitions must happen offshore. Onshore switches are not allowed under the updated visa rules.
4. How long can international students work on a student visa in Australia?
Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during breaks. Master’s research and PhD students have no work-hour limit.
5. What happens if I study in a regional area in Australia?
Students who complete their degree in a designated regional area can apply for the Second Post-Study Work Stream, which allows for an extended stay and potential skilled migration pathway.