Planning to study in Australia from Indonesia? Understanding the latest student visa requirements is an important part of preparing for your education journey.
From 2 October 2026, changes to Australia’s Student visa (subclass 500) and Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) application rules affect certain applicants applying from within Australia, further Student visa applications and the inclusion of family members.
For Indonesian students planning to apply from overseas, understanding these changes can help you prepare your application and plan your studies more confidently.
1. What Has Changed in Australia’s Student Visa Rules?
The new rules cover three main areas:
- Applying for a Student visa or Student Guardian visa while in Australia.
- Applying for another Student visa while already holding one.
- Including partners and dependent children in Student visa applications.
The impact depends on the applicant’s current visa, circumstances and eligibility for any applicable exemptions.
2. Can Indonesian Students Apply for a Student Visa from Overseas?
Indonesian students applying for an Australian Student visa from Indonesia should check the standard subclass 500 application requirements and ensure they have the necessary supporting documents.
The new restrictions primarily affect certain applicants who are already in Australia and want to lodge a Student visa or Student Guardian visa application from within the country.
If you are currently in Indonesia and planning to apply from overseas, do not assume that these onshore restrictions automatically prevent you from applying. Always check the latest requirements published by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
3. Rules for Students Applying for Another Student Visa
The changes also affect current Student visa holders who want to apply for another Student visa while in Australia.
Most current Student visa holders can no longer lodge a further Student visa application from within Australia unless an applicable exemption applies.
Some exemptions may cover students who need additional time to complete their original course with the same education provider, PhD applicants, certain school students and other specified categories.
Specific eligibility conditions apply. Students should confirm their circumstances against the official government guidance before making decisions.
4. Can Students Include Their Family Members?
The updated rules also change when partners and dependent children can be included in Student visa applications.
Exemptions may apply to certain categories, including PhD students, students sponsored by DFAT or Defence, recipients of foreign government scholarships, and eligible students from Pacific countries or ASEAN member countries.
Eligibility depends on the applicable conditions.
The factsheet also states that current Student visa holders cannot add family members as subsequent entrants after their Student visa has been granted under the new rules.
Students planning to bring family members to Australia should carefully review the official requirements before submitting an application.
5. Preparing to Study in Australia from Indonesia
Before beginning your application process, consider the following steps:
- Research Australian education providers and courses that match your goals.
- Review the Student visa subclass 500 requirements.
- Prepare the documents required for your application.
- Confirm your enrolment arrangements with your education provider.
- Understand your health insurance requirements.
- Plan your travel and accommodation after reviewing the relevant visa conditions.
Preparing these details early can help you organise your study plans more effectively.
6. Why Is OSHC Important for Indonesian Students?
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance designed for eligible international students in Australia. Student visa holders generally need appropriate OSHC unless an applicable exemption applies.
Before purchasing a policy, students should compare:
- Premiums for the required coverage period.
- Medical and hospital benefits.
- Waiting periods and exclusions.
- Claims processes and customer support.
- Policy conditions and coverage limits.
Budget Policy helps international students compare available OSHC options from providers such as Bupa, Medibank, nib, Allianz Care and ahm.
Comparing policies can help students understand the differences in premiums, benefits and conditions before choosing cover.
Remember that visa requirements and health insurance requirements are separate matters. Check both independently before making a decision.
7. How Can APG Help Students Planning to Study in Australia?
Asia Pacific Group (APG) supports students exploring international education opportunities and planning their studies in Australia.
For Indonesian students, researching courses, understanding application requirements and preparing documents are important early steps in the process.
Students should seek guidance appropriate to their individual circumstances and consult official Australian government information when checking visa eligibility and requirements.
8. Where Can You Find Official Student Visa Information?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides the official information needed to understand Student visa requirements and the changes introduced on 2 October 2026.
Review the latest government guidance before submitting an application or making significant education and travel commitments.
Official resources:
Final Thoughts
Australia’s Student visa application changes from 2 October 2026 are particularly relevant to certain applicants applying from within Australia, students seeking another Student visa and those planning to include family members.
For Indonesian students planning to study in Australia from overseas, understanding the applicable requirements and preparing early can make the process easier to navigate.
Alongside course and visa planning, remember to review your OSHC options so you understand the available cover before purchasing a policy.
