Information checked on 10 October 2026. General information only, not migration advice.
If you are in Australia on a Working Holiday, Visitor, Temporary Graduate or other temporary visa and you are considering degree study at Monaro Higher Education, the rules for applying have changed. This guide helps you plan your next step.
Who this affects
From 2 October 2026, holders of the temporary visas listed below cannot apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) while in Australia. Familiar examples include Working Holiday, Visitor and Temporary Graduate visa holders.
The official list has 17 entries. Subclass 482 appears twice, once for each stream.
| Subclass | Visa |
|---|---|
| 400 | Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) |
| 403 | Temporary Work (International Relations), Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream only |
| 407 | Training |
| 408 | Temporary Activity |
| 417 | Working Holiday |
| 457 | Temporary Work (Skilled) |
| 462 | Work and Holiday |
| 482 | Skills in Demand |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate |
| 600 | Visitor |
| 601 | Electronic Travel Authority |
| 602 | Medical Treatment |
| 651 | eVisitor |
| 771 | Transit |
| 988 | Maritime Crew |
| 995 | Diplomatic (Temporary), where granted under the criteria in Division 995.2 |
Source: LIN 26/102 (F2026L01348). Check the instrument for the exact wording.
What this means
If you hold one of these visas and want to study in Australia, you need to apply from offshore, which means outside Australia. You also need to be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Offshore means anywhere outside Australia. It does not have to be your home country.
Plan before you apply
- Course choice: choose a course that fits your study and career goals.
- Entry requirements: check academic and English requirements for the course.
- Finances: plan for tuition fees, living costs and travel.
- Timing: think about intake dates, how long the application may take and when you need to leave Australia.
- Your current visa: check its expiry date and conditions.
- Professional advice: speak to a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner about your situation.
Course packages
Some students study two or more courses in a row, such as a diploma followed by an advanced diploma. This is called a course package. A package is an education option. It does not change where you need to be when you apply.
If you are considering a package, ask:
- Which qualifications and providers are included?
- How long is each course, and the whole package?
- What is the total cost?
- What are the entry requirements for each course?
- Is any credit formally approved, and for which units or subjects?
Monaro offers the Bachelor of Business and the Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced). Ask our admissions team about entry requirements, durations, intakes and any formally approved credit.
Talk to us
Explore Monaro degrees at monaro.edu.au or book a consultation with our admissions team at 1800 318 181 or info@monaro.edu.au.
An offer of a place does not guarantee a visa.
Official sources
- Department of Home Affairs, Changes to Student visa applications factsheet: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500) page: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01347)
- Migration (Student Visa Applications to Be Made from outside Australia) Instrument 2026, LIN 26/102 (F2026L01348)
- Exemptions amendment instrument, LIN 26/087 (F2026L01349)
Legislation is published on the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au.
This article is general information, checked on 10 October 2026. It is not migration or legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources above before you act. For advice about your own situation, speak to a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.
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