Details were checked against the linked official pages on 21 October 2026. Rules change, so always open the source before you act.
AustraliaStudent visaIn effect from 2 October 2026
New rules on applying for a Student visa from inside Australia
What happened. From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia, including Working Holiday Maker visa holders, can no longer apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) from inside Australia. People who already hold a Student visa generally cannot apply for another one in Australia unless an exemption applies. Applying from outside Australia is still possible, and the applicant must be outside Australia when the visa is granted. First-time and further Student visa applicants generally cannot include family members, and family cannot be added after a visa is granted. Applications lodged before 2 October are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged. Study Australia says the changes do not affect current Student visas.
What you can check. Whether an exemption applies to you, and whether your plan involves applying from inside Australia or bringing family. A Transfer stream for students changing providers is planned, but details have not been released.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs · Study Australia, 7 October 2026
AustraliaStudent visaIn effect from 1 July 2026
Student visa application charge rose to A$2,500
What happened. The Student visa application charge increased from A$2,000 to A$2,500 on 1 July 2026. The Temporary Graduate visa charge also rose, from A$4,600 to A$5,750. Some applicants keep paying the earlier charge plus an annual CPI adjustment, including primary Student visa applicants with passports from ASEAN member countries and applicants for independent ELICOS and Non-Award courses.
What you can check. The charge that applies to your passport and course type, before you budget for your application.
Source: Study Australia, 3 July 2026
New ZealandPost-Study Work VisaFrom 16 November 2026
Changes to the Post-Study Work Visa from 16 November 2026
What happened. Immigration New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa page says that from 16 November 2026 paper applications will no longer be accepted, and all applications must be made online. It also says eligibility will be extended to applicants who have a level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand, and a bachelor's degree completed in New Zealand or overseas. Until then, the current rules apply.
What you can check. The exact qualification rules and the application deadline for your situation. The page currently says to apply no later than 3 months after your student visa expires, with longer periods in some cases, for example 6 months for a doctoral degree.
Source: Immigration New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa
New ZealandShort-Term Graduate Work VisaApplications open 16 November 2026
A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens on 16 November 2026
What happened. Immigration New Zealand describes this visa for people who want to work soon after finishing study in New Zealand and are not eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. It allows you to stay and work for up to 6 months, in any job for any employer, while you look for a job and explore longer-term options. To apply you must have completed an eligible level 5 to 7 qualification studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, have held a student visa within the 3 months before you apply, have at least NZD $5,000 in available funds, and apply no more than 3 months after your student visa ends. You can have only one, it cannot be extended, and you cannot include your partner or dependent children in the application.
What you can check. Whether your qualification makes you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa instead, because if it does you cannot apply for this one. The page also lists the qualifications that do not count, including English language, foundation and bridging qualifications and micro-credentials.
Source: Immigration New Zealand: Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
JOSH comment
This is my reading, not an official statement. If you are planning to study in Australia, the first two items suggest working out your visa route and family plans before you apply, instead of expecting to change them from inside the country later. Confirm anything that affects you with the official pages above.