Extend your student visa
Learn when you need a new student visa and what steps to take before and after you apply.
Changes to Student visa application rules
From 2 October 2026, there are new rules for Student visas (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visas (subclass 590). The rules change who can apply for and be granted a visa while in Australia, and whether family members can be included in a Student visa application.
For an overview of the changes, visit the Student visa changes information page. Make sure you know how the new rules affect you before making visa, study, travel or relocation plans.
Why you may need a new student visa
You can’t extend a student visa. If your current visa will expire before you complete your studies, you'll need to apply for a new student visa. More information about when you might need to apply for a new student visa can be found on the:
- Manage enrolment changes that affect your student visa webpage
- Your visa is expiring or expired webpage
- Changes in your situation webpage.
Before you apply
- Check if you have received a new CoE, or if you need to request a new one. Go to the Request a new CoE page for more information.
- If you’re a graduate research student, check if you have received a Confirmation of Marking of Thesis (CMT) letter, or if you need to request one. See the 'Submitting your thesis for examination' section on the Manage enrolment changes that affect your visa page.
- Check if your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will cover the entire length of your stay for your new visa. Extend it if required.
- Ensure your stay in Australia remains lawful. See the DHA webpage about staying longer.
- Apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires; and
- Check whether you meet an exemption to apply for a further student visa in Australia.
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If you apply for a further student visa before your current visa expires and meet an exemption that allows you to apply while in Australia, you can stay in Australia while your application is processed.
After you apply, you’ll be entitled to a Bridging visa A (subclass 010) (BVA), which becomes active when your current visa expires.
If you need to travel outside Australia while on a BVA, you must apply for a Bridging visa B (subclass 020) before leaving.
Before applying, check if your current visa has a ‘no further stay’ condition and review the onshore application exemption criteria on the Department of Home Affairs website, as this may affect your eligibility to apply for another visa in Australia.
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If you do not meet an exemption that allows you to apply while in Australia, or if you are a dependent or secondary student visa holder, you will need to apply for a further student visa from outside Australia.
You must be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Allow extra time for visa processing when planning your travel.
If you have previously had a visa cancelled due to a breach of conditions, you should seek independent immigration advice before applying.
Apply for a new student visa
It is recommended that you apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires. Refer to the DHA website for Visa processing times. If you are issued a new student visa, update your visa details with the University. If your new student visa application is refused, contact Stop 1 as soon as possible.