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:
- Manage enrolment changes that affect your student visa webpage
- Your visa is expiring or expired webpage
- Changes in your situation webpage.
Before you apply
- Consider your location as this will influence the type of visa you're eligible for
- 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 new 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 receive 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 prevent you from applying affect your eligibility to apply for another visa in Australia.
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If you’re applying from overseas and do not hold a current visa, 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 wait until for your new student visa to be approved has been granted 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.