Migration Amendment (Administrative Review of Student Visa Refusal Decisions) Regulations 2026
What changed
Australia has introduced new rules. These rules apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) when it checks decisions to refuse a Student visa. The Migration Amendment (Administrative Review of Student Visa Refusal Decisions) Regulations 2026 started on 1 June 2026. They are now in effect. Under the new rules, the ART will usually check applications to review a Student visa refusal by reading documents only. This means the ART will usually not hold an oral hearing. This means the ART can review the case using the written application, documents, and proof. It will not automatically hold an oral hearing. There are important exceptions. If a Student visa refusal involves certain public interest criteria or a special return criterion, the ART will not treat the case as a 'documents only' review under this rule. A public interest criterion is a specific condition that can stop someone from getting a visa. A special return criterion is a specific condition that stops someone from getting a visa if they have a history of certain migration offences.
The detail
Policy history
Migration Amendment (Administrative Review of Student Visa Refusal Decisions) Regulations 2026Related changes
United KingdomStudent VisasPublishedEffective 8 Oct 2026 UK Visit Visa Guidance Updated for Erasmus+ Placements for Children Under 18
What changed
UK Visas and Immigration has updated its guidance for visitor visa supporting documents. It now includes specific requirements for children under 18 who are coming to the UK for an Erasmus+ traineeship or job shadowing placement. From 8 October 2026, these applicants must provide evidence of permission from both a parent or guardian and their home institution. This makes the documentation clearer for this particular group of young visitors, helping to ensure that safeguarding policies are followed.
Published 8 Oct 2026Effective 8 Oct 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
South KoreaStudent VisasAnnouncementEffective 7 Oct 2026 South Korea Shifts Foreign Student Visa Policy from “Attraction” to “Growth”
What changed
South Korea's Ministry of Justice has announced a significant reorganisation of its visa policy for foreign students. The system is moving away from simply attracting international students to one that supports their development, helps them find jobs, and encourages them to settle in South Korea for the long term. The Ministry released this new strategy on 7 October 2026. It comes after about five months of work by the public-private Foreign Student Visa System Improvement Council, which was set up in April. This strategy has been developed as South Korea anticipates having around 400,000 foreign students.
Published 7 Oct 2026Effective 7 Oct 2026Ministry of Justice — Press releases
AustraliaStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 2 Oct 2026 Australia Amends Classes of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications
What changed
The Migration (LIN 20/158: Class of Persons for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) Visa Applications) Amendment Instrument 2026 introduces changes to the eligibility criteria for Student (Temporary) (Class TU) visa applicants in Australia. These amendments, which apply to certain classes of persons including doctoral students and family members, will be in force from 2 October 2026. The instrument revises existing provisions related to visa application arrangements and conditions for specified student cohorts.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 2 Oct 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
AustraliaStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 2 Oct 2026 Australia Amends Student Visa Regulations to Impose Stricter Onshore Application Requirements and Family Unit Criteria
What changed
The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 introduces significant changes to the eligibility criteria for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. As of 2 October 2026, certain primary student visa holders must be outside Australia to apply for a new student visa, and secondary applicants will face new restrictions on applying from onshore. These amendments aim to tighten visa integrity by curbing repeated onshore applications and ensuring clearer eligibility for family unit members.
Published 1 Oct 2026Effective 2 Oct 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
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