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.
The detail
Policy history
South Korea's Ministry of Justice Announces Shift in Foreign Student Visa Policy from 'Attraction' to 'Growth'Related changes
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
United KingdomStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 30 Sept 2026 Buckinghamshire New University's Student Sponsor Licence Suspended
What changed
The Home Office suspended Buckinghamshire New University's Student sponsor licence on 30 September 2026, with immediate effect. This action followed concerns about the university's adherence to its sponsor duties and resulted in its removal from the Register of licensed sponsors for students. Students currently sponsored by the university, whose permission to stay remains valid, can continue their studies during this suspension period. The university has 20 working days to address the decision before potential revocation of its licence.
Published 30 Sept 2026Effective 30 Sept 2026UK Visas and Immigration — News & communications
AustraliaStudent VisasEffectiveEffective 25 Sept 2026 Australia Specifies Visas Precluding Student Visa Applications
What changed
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has reissued 'The Migration (Visas that Preclude a Person from Lodging a Student Visa Application in Australia) Instrument 2026'. This official document keeps the existing rules about which types of visas stop someone from applying for a Student visa while they are in Australia. This helps to maintain the integrity, or honesty, of the student visa programme. It continues to operate under the authority of the Migration Regulations 1994.
Published 24 Sept 2026Effective 25 Sept 2026Federal Register of Legislation — Migration instruments
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