Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The 2 October 2026 change
The Student visa (subclass 500) page says most applicants, including those applying for a further Student visa, can no longer include family members. Family must apply at the same time and from the same location as you, and cannot apply later as subsequent entrants "in any circumstance". Applications made before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place when they were lodged.
| Exemption | Who it covers |
|---|---|
| 1 | Doctoral (PhD) students, not Master's by Research |
| 2 | Students sponsored by the Department of Defence or DFAT |
| 3 | Recipients of a foreign government scholarship that fully funds study in Australia |
| 4 | Nationals of listed Pacific Island and ASEAN countries |
| 5 | Current Student visa holders in limited cases, such as up to 12 extra months to finish or a provider default |
Do family members need an English test?
The page says family members who apply must meet health and character requirements and hold Overseas Student Health Cover. It sets no English test for them. The English evidence rules apply to the student and depend on the main course of study.
For Student visas a family member is your partner, or your or your partner's dependent child who is unmarried and under 18. A child who turns 18 before the visa is finalised needs their own visa.
Need an English test for an Australian visa?
Home Affairs accepts PTE Academic and IELTS, among other tests. Take a free mock and see where you would land.
Free PTE Academic mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
If your family is not eligible
Home Affairs says you should not lodge applications for family members who do not meet an exemption, because they will not be accepted and an invalid outcome cannot be reviewed at the ART. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the Home Affairs Student visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my spouse on a 500 visa for a master's?+
Not for a taught master's from 2 October 2026 unless another exemption applies, for example DFAT sponsorship, a full foreign government scholarship or Pacific Island or ASEAN nationality.
Does my partner need IELTS for the 500 visa?+
No. Home Affairs lists health and character requirements for family members, not an English test.
Can my family join me later?+
No. Home Affairs says family members cannot apply as subsequent entrants in any circumstance.
Does the rule apply to applications lodged before 2 October 2026?+
No. Those are assessed under the rules in place on the date you applied.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS and PTE for the 500 Student visa
- English tests accepted for Australian visas
- IELTS for Australian partner visas
- Student Guardian visa 590
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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