Student, Guardian and Graduate Visas
Studying in Australia can be the first step towards working and settling here, and the rules for each stage are different. Whether you are applying to study, bringing a guardian for a younger student, or planning what comes after graduation, choose your stage below. New rules for student and guardian visas started on 2 October 2026, so it pays to plan before you apply.
Student visas cover different people: the student, the parent or guardian of a younger student, and the graduate who wants to stay and work after study. The Student visa (500), Student Guardian visa (590) and Graduate visa (485) each have their own rules. The pages below explain how they connect, from study through to life after graduation.
Choose your visa
Student visa (500)
- For people enrolling in a registered course of study in Australia
- Needs a Confirmation of Enrolment, health cover and a convincing Genuine Student case
- New onshore application and family inclusion rules apply from 2 October 2026
Student Guardian visa (590)
- For a parent or eligible relative to care for a student who is under 18, or where the provider requires a guardian
- A temporary visa linked to the student’s enrolment, without work rights
- Some visa holders in Australia must now apply from outside Australia
Graduate visa (485)
- For recent graduates of an Australian qualification who want to work after study
- Two streams, depending on the level of qualification
- The deadline to apply runs from the day you complete your course, so plan ahead
Education counselling
- We provide a full education counselling service alongside your student visa application
- Help choosing a course and education provider that suit your study and career goals
- Support with your application to study, so your course and visa plans fit together
Where to start
- Tell us where you are in your study journey and where you want to end up
- Gather your enrolment, study and identity documents
- Book a consultation and we will map the right visa at each stage
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a student visa while I am in Australia on another visa?
From 2 October 2026 most temporary visa holders can no longer apply for a Student visa while in Australia, with limited exemptions. Whether you can apply onshore depends on the visa you hold now, so it is worth checking your situation before you lodge anything.
Can my family come with me?
From 2 October 2026 family members generally cannot be included in a Student visa application unless an exemption applies, and they cannot be added later. For a younger student, a Student Guardian visa for a parent or relative may be an option, and we can explain how it fits.
What comes after my student visa?
Many students move to a Temporary Graduate visa and then to employer sponsorship or skilled migration. Each step has its own eligibility rules and deadlines, so we plan the sequence with you early rather than waiting until your study ends.
Which visa do I need if I am bringing a child or a guardian?
It depends on who is studying and who is travelling. A student under 18 may need a guardian on a Student Guardian visa, which is linked to the student’s enrolment. We look at each person’s situation and the current rules to work out the right combination of applications.
Do you help with choosing a course or school?
Yes. We provide a full education counselling service, so you can plan your course and your student visa together.
Does it matter which course or provider I choose?
Yes. Your course and provider affect your Confirmation of Enrolment, your Genuine Student case and the pathways open to you after graduation. It is sensible to think about your longer-term goals before you enrol, so your study and visa plans line up.
When should I speak to a migration agent about studying in Australia?
Ideally before you enrol or apply, because the rules differ by stage and some choices are hard to undo. Southern Stone can map the right visa at each stage of your journey, and you can book a consultation to talk through your plans.