Who is affected

Anyone in Australia on a Working Holiday (417) or Work and Holiday (462) visa who wants to study on a Student visa. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the old rules.

What it means

• Plan your study switch around a trip home or overseas.
• You can still study for up to 4 months on your working holiday visa.
• An onshore application made by mistake is invalid, but you keep your current visa until it ends.

Get advice from a registered migration agent if you are unsure.

Why this change matters

For years, many working holiday makers fell in love with Australia and switched to a Student visa without leaving the country. That option has now closed for 417 and 462 holders. If studying in Australia is part of your plan, you need to build an overseas trip into your timeline before your working holiday visa ends.

How to plan your switch

• Choose your course and get your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) while you are still in Australia.
• Check the Student visa requirements, such as English tests, funds and health insurance (OSHC).
• Plan a trip outside Australia, for example a holiday in New Zealand or Asia, or a trip home.
• Lodge your Student visa application while you are outside Australia.
• Stay outside Australia until the visa is granted.

How long you might be away

Processing times vary, so your trip could be longer than a short holiday. Book flexible or refundable travel where you can, and do not give up your job or room in Australia until you know your timing. Keep enough savings to cover the extra time overseas.

Studying on your working holiday visa

You do not need a Student visa for short courses. On a working holiday visa you can study for up to 4 months in total. That covers a lot of useful short courses for backpackers, such as RSA, White Card, barista courses, first aid, forklift licences or a short English course. These can help you get better paid work straight away.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Lodging a Student visa application from inside Australia. It will be invalid and the fee may not be refunded.
• Letting your working holiday visa expire before you leave. Overstaying can affect future visas.
• Paying a course deposit before checking your visa timeline.

Frequently asked questions

Does this affect a Student visa I already applied for? Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the old rules.

Can I still do a second year working holiday visa instead? Yes, if you meet the specified work requirements. That is a separate visa and is not affected by this change.

Get proper advice

Visa rules are complex and every situation is different. A registered migration agent can look at your plans and tell you the best path. Always check the agent is registered before paying for advice.

While you plan, keep earning. Find work on TAW jobs and make a free CV with the TAW CV builder.

Sources: Federal Register of Legislation: LIN 26/102 (F2026L01348).