Albanese government tightens visa rules to stop student hopping
Students will need separate visas to change courses from July 2027. They cannot switch courses within their first 12 months.
The Albanese government announced Friday it will crack down on 'visa hopping' by international students. From 1 July 2027, students who change courses must apply for a separate visa.
For now, students cannot change to a different course within 12 months of starting. The rules also stop students from switching to lower-level qualifications.
This includes moving from a degree to vocational training. The government wants to cut net overseas migration from almost 300,000 a year to 225,000 by 2028.
Migration agents and lawyers who help people make false visa claims will face new penalties. They're targeting those who sell false hope to vulnerable people.
- almost 300,000 per year
- Current net migration
- 225,000 per year
- Target by 2028
- over 400,000
- People on bridging visas
- 1 July 2027
- Rule start date
Why it mattersThe changes affect hundreds of thousands of international students in Australia. They could reshape how universities and education providers manage enrolments.
AustraliaInternational students planning to study or change courses in Australia will face stricter rules and longer wait times, potentially affecting university revenue and Australia's reputation as an education destination.
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