[Breaking News] Will parent-child study abroad in Australia become impossible? Student visa ‘family accompaniment restrictions’ announced｜ヒロくんのママ

Today, there is some concerning news for those considering studying abroad in Australia. The Australian government has announced changes to the student visa system.

Among these, what stood out in particular was the content stating that ‘many student visas will restrict the ability to bring family members as secondary applicants’.

Seeing this, some of you might have thought, ‘Wait, does this mean parent-child study abroad will no longer be possible?’

I was also curious, so I checked the details announced by the government as of September 17, 2026.

First, the conclusion: parent-child study abroad is not being banned.

At this moment, there is no announcement that ‘parent-child study abroad itself is prohibited’.

However, what is called ‘parent-child study abroad’ actually involves different patterns in terms of visas.

One of those patterns is what may be affected this time.

What is changing?

The student visa-related changes announced by the Australian government this time include the content of ‘restricting secondary applicants on most student visas’.

A secondary applicant is, simply put, a family member such as a spouse or child who applies in conjunction with the primary applicant obtaining a student visa.

For example,

A mother attends a language school, etc.
↓
The mother obtains a Student visa (Subclass 500)
↓
The child is brought along as a dependent

This is the form it takes.

This type of ‘parent is a student, and the child accompanies them as family’ may be affected by the new rules in the future.

However, it does not mean that you cannot bring your family starting today. The immigration system changes announced this time are scheduled to be introduced in stages over the next 12 months.

As of September 17, 2026, the specific start date for the student visa family accompaniment restrictions has not yet been announced.

So, what about ‘parent-child study abroad’ for elementary school students?

There is a big difference here.

For example, this refers to parent-child study abroad where a mother and her elementary school-aged child come to Australia from Japan, and the child themselves studies at an Australian school.

In this case,

[Child] Student visa (Subclass 500)
[Parent] Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590)

is a possible method.

In other words, the child does not accompany the parent on the parent’s student visa. The child is the student, and the parent accompanies them as a Guardian.

As of September 17, 2026, the Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) still exists.

And even in the content announced this time, there has been no announcement at this point that the ‘Student Guardian visa 590 will be abolished’.

Therefore, ‘restrictions on family accompaniment for student visas’ does not mean that ‘parent-child study abroad will become impossible’.

I think this is a point to be a little careful about when looking at the news.

Parents on a Student Guardian Visa cannot work.

There is one more thing I want those considering parent-child study abroad to know.

Parents accompanying their children on a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) are generally not allowed to work in Australia. Therefore, when considering long-term parent-child study abroad,

・Child’s tuition
・Rent
・Parent and child’s living expenses
・Car and transportation costs
・Insurance
・Other stay-related expenses

and other costs must be included in a well-planned budget.

What is known as of September 17, 2026

To summarize this announcement,
・The Australian government has announced changes to the student visa system
・Policy to restrict secondary applicants (spouses, children, etc.) from accompanying on many Student visas
・Changes are scheduled to be introduced in stages over the next 12 months
・The specific start date for family accompaniment restrictions has not yet been announced
・The Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) still exists
・It has not been announced that ‘parent-child study abroad itself is prohibited’

is the current situation.

Since this announcement has just been made, I believe more detailed rules will be announced in the future, such as ‘when it will start,’ ‘who will be eligible,’ and ‘which student visas will be exceptions.’

As this seems to be a significant change for those considering studying abroad or parent-child study abroad in Australia, it is necessary to continue checking government announcements.

※This article is based on information published as of September 17, 2026. Visa systems are subject to change, and conditions vary depending on individual circumstances. When actually applying, please check the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs. If necessary, please consult with a professional such as a registered migration agent.

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