Information checked on 10 October 2026. General information only, not migration advice.

Many SSBT students ask us what happens if they need more time, or if they want to continue to a higher qualification. This guide explains the exemptions that may let some students apply for another Student visa while in Australia.

Since 2 October 2026, most Student visa (subclass 500) holders need to be outside Australia (offshore) to apply for another Student visa. Some can still apply in Australia (onshore) because an exemption applies. Here are three common questions.

Meeting an exemption means you may be eligible to apply in Australia. It is not an automatic extension and it does not guarantee a visa grant.

“I failed subjects and need more time”

Failing subjects does not, on its own, make you eligible. The completion exemption has three main conditions:

  1. You currently hold a subclass 500 visa.
  2. You have started your principal course, or an eligible alternative course with the same provider. Your principal course is the highest AQF level course in your visa. AQF means the Australian Qualifications Framework, the national system of qualification levels.
  3. You will finish that course within 12 months of the end date on its CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment).

If you are behind, talk to your school first. The academic team can assess whether an adjusted study plan is possible, based on your results and the subjects available.

“I completed my course and want a higher qualification”

The course progression exemption has these main conditions:

  1. You currently hold a subclass 500 visa.
  2. You have completed your principal course or an eligible alternative.
  3. You are enrolled in no more than one further course.
  4. If your completed course has an AQF level, the further course must be at a higher AQF level.
  5. If you completed a higher education course, the next course must also be higher education, delivered by a higher education provider.

For example, a student who completes the Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520, AQF Level 5) and enrols in the Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII60520, AQF Level 6) is moving to a higher AQF level. This is an example of the type of move the rule describes, not an approval. Every condition still needs to be met, and course entry is assessed individually.

A course offer alone does not satisfy every condition.

“My provider stopped delivering my course”

This is called provider default. You may be able to apply in Australia if all of these apply:

  • You were enrolled in the course on the day of the default.
  • You cannot complete the course because of the default.
  • You need a further visa to study an eligible replacement course.
  • You apply within 12 months of the default day.
  • You have not applied before because of the same default.

Deferring your studies or cancelling your own enrolment is not automatically provider default.

Other groups that may be exempt

  • Doctoral students: students enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) degree.
  • School students: students in primary or secondary school.
  • Sponsored students: students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence.
  • Non AQF courses: students who completed school and are moving to a course without an AQF level, or who completed a course without an AQF level and are moving to a course with one.

Family inclusion follows separate rules, and these exemptions do not apply automatically to the temporary visa holders described in our guide for temporary visa holders. Read our overview of the changes and our guide for temporary visa holders.

Your action checklist

Gather these before you speak to anyone:

  • Your visa grant notice and expiry date.
  • Your CoE for each course.
  • Your academic transcript.
  • A list of your remaining subjects.
  • Your proposed completion plan or next course plan.

Then talk to us about your academic options. For advice on your own visa eligibility, speak to a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.

Talk to us

Current SSBT students can book a time with our academic team to discuss their study plan. Contact 02 9249 7800 or info@ssbt.edu.au.

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.

Sydney School of Business and Technology (SSBT) · ssbt.edu.au · info@ssbt.edu.au · 02 9249 7800
CRICOS Provider Code 02140E · RTO No. 90438





 

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