Working Holiday Makers Can No Longer Switch to a Student Visa Onshore
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In short

From 2 October 2026, if you hold a subclass 417 or 462 visa you can no longer apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) while in Australia. You must apply from outside Australia, and stay outside until it is granted.

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.

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