Australia tightens student visa rules and restricts accompanying family members

The Economic Times reports that Australia’s October 2026 changes bar most temporary visa holders from applying for a student visa while in the country. Until June 30, 2027, non-school students must generally stay in their principal course for 12 months before changing providers. Dependent family members can accompany students only in limited circumstances, including for PhD and government scholarship students; families already in Australia are protected under grandfathering arrangements.