Murdoch University Highlights Australia's New Student Visa Rules and Transfer Restrictions for 2026
Murdoch University has shared an important update on changes to Australia’s student visa rules and education provider transfer restrictions, with new requirements taking effect on 2 October 2026.
The changes affect international students planning to transfer between education providers, apply for another Student visa while in Australia, or include family members in their visa applications.
The university’s update highlights a temporary extension to the course transfer restriction period, changes to where certain Student visa applications must be lodged, and new rules concerning dependent family members. These developments are particularly relevant to international students planning their studies in Australia and those already enrolled at Australian institutions.
Changes to Australia’s Course Transfer Restrictions
Under changes to Standard 7 of the National Code, overseas students are now required to complete at least 12 months of their principal course before transferring to another education provider, according to Murdoch University’s update dated 7 October 2026.
This extends the restriction period from six months to 12 months. The temporary requirement applies from 2 October 2026 and is expected to return to six months from 1 July 2027.
The change may affect students who have completed more than six months but less than 12 months of their principal course and are considering moving to another provider.
Students planning to change institutions should review their enrolment circumstances and the applicable transfer requirements before making a decision. They should also consult their current education provider to understand how the rules apply to their situation.
New Student Visa Application Rules
New Student visa rules also took effect on 2 October 2026, introducing changes for certain temporary visa holders applying for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) or Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
According to the university’s notice, certain temporary visa holders must now be outside Australia to apply for and be granted a Student visa or Student Guardian visa.
Current Student visa holders seeking another Student visa may also be affected, although limited exemptions apply in specific circumstances, including certain cases involving course completion, provider default and course progression.
Applications submitted before 2 October 2026 will continue to be assessed under the previous rules, as stated in the update.
Students considering further study or a change in their visa circumstances should check the latest requirements before submitting an application. The rules may depend on the applicant’s current visa and individual circumstances.
Changes to Family Member Applications
Another significant change concerns including family members, such as spouses and dependent children, in Student visa applications.
Under the new rules outlined by Murdoch University, Student visa applicants can generally no longer include family members in their applications unless they qualify for an applicable exemption.
The university’s update identifies exemptions for certain PhD students, nationals of Pacific and ASEAN countries, eligible foreign government scholarship recipients, and students sponsored by Australia’s Department of Defense or Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Once a Student visa has been granted, family members cannot be added later under the new arrangements, according to the notice.
International students planning to travel with their families should therefore review the relevant requirements before lodging their applications. Applicants should confirm whether an exemption applies to their circumstances through official Australian government guidance.
What the Changes Mean for International Students
The updated rules highlight the importance of understanding Australia’s student visa requirements before deciding on study plans, education providers, or family arrangements.
Students considering a transfer should check how long they have completed their principal course and confirm the applicable restrictions with their education provider. Those planning to apply for another Student visa should confirm whether they must apply from outside Australia and whether any exemptions apply.
Students intending to bring family members should also review the updated rules before submitting an application, as the new requirements may affect their plans.
For the latest information, students can consult the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ official Student visa information and Student visa application rules update.
Planning to Study in Australia from Pakistan
Pakistani students planning to study in Australia should stay informed about changes to university admission processes, student visa requirements and education provider policies.
Choosing a suitable course and institution, understanding the relevant visa conditions and preparing application documents in advance can help students make informed decisions about their study plans.
Students already in Australia should also check the latest rules before transferring to another provider or applying for a further Student visa. Because immigration requirements vary by individual circumstances, applicants should rely on official Australian government information or seek advice from a professional legally authorized to provide Australian immigration assistance.
Murdoch University’s October 2026 update reminds prospective and current international students to review the latest requirements before deciding to study in Australia.
