Extend your student visa

Learn when you need a new student visa and what steps to take before and after you apply.

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:

Before you apply

Before you apply for a new student visa you should:

  • 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. Learn more about Submitting your thesis after your expected course end date 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
  • Consider your location as this will influence the type of visa you're eligible for:

  • If you apply for a new student visa before your current visa expires, you can stay in Australia while your application is processed.

    After you apply, you’ll receive 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, as this may prevent you from applying for another visa in Australia.

  • If you’re applying from overseas and do not hold a current visa, you must wait for your new student visa to be approved before returning to Australia. 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.

Submit new student visa application