Last Updated: 30 October 2026
Australia’s major Student Visa changes introduced on 2 October 2026 have made it significantly more difficult for international students to change their study direction while remaining in Australia.
Under the new rules, most Student Visa holders can no longer apply for another Student Visa onshore unless they meet specific exemptions, such as progressing to an eligible higher-level qualification.
For example, students who complete a Bachelor of Accounting and wish to pursue a trade qualification in Carpentry may now need to leave Australia and apply for a new Student Visa offshore.
However, there is an alternative study strategy worth exploring for students who want to expand their career and skilled migration options without interrupting their stay in Australia.
What Is the Concurrent CoE Study Strategy?
Concurrent enrolment allows eligible international students to undertake two courses simultaneously while maintaining their main qualification.
For example, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting may be able to enrol in a Certificate III in Carpentry while completing their degree, provided they meet the relevant enrolment and visa requirements.
This is not a new arrangement. Concurrent enrolment has been available for years, but it was previously less attractive for students seeking to change their study direction.
Previously, eligible students could apply for another Student Visa onshore to pursue a different qualification. However, with the October 2026 changes, switching to a lower-level qualification now generally requires an offshore Student Visa application.
By starting a second course before graduating, eligible students may be able to:
- Explore alternative career pathways: Gain qualifications in another field without abandoning their existing degree.
- Reduce additional study time: Complete part of the second qualification while still studying their main course.
- Utilise their Temporary Graduate Visa (485): Continue their second qualification after graduation if granted an eligible 485 visa.
- Expand skilled migration options: Work towards qualifications that could support additional occupation and skills assessment pathways.
Importantly, this strategy requires careful planning to ensure both courses, enrolment arrangements and visa conditions remain compliant.
How Does the Concurrent Study Strategy Work?
Under the rules introduced in October 2026, international students generally need to complete 12 months of their principal course before enrolling concurrently with another education provider, unless an applicable exception permits earlier enrolment.
This restriction is currently scheduled to remain until 30 June 2027, after which the standard period will revert to six months.
Once eligible, students may explore enrolling in an additional course while continuing their original qualification.
Following graduation, students who qualify for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) may be able to continue their second qualification under that visa, without needing to apply for a separate Student Visa.
Example 1: Bachelor of Accounting + Certificate III in Carpentry
Consider an international student undertaking a three-year Bachelor of Accounting who wants to explore Carpentry as an additional career and migration pathway.
Step 1
Complete the initial study period: Continue studying the Bachelor of Accounting and satisfy the required 12-month principal course period.
Step 2
Commence a second course: During the final year of the Bachelor’s degree, enrol in a Certificate III in Carpentry through an eligible education provider that supports concurrent enrolment, subject to the relevant requirements.
Step 3
Apply for a Graduate Visa: After completing the Bachelor’s degree, apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), provided all eligibility requirements are met.
Step 4
Complete the Carpentry qualification: Once the 485 visa is granted, continue the remaining Carpentry studies while holding the Graduate Visa.
By starting the Carpentry qualification earlier, the student may reduce the additional time needed to complete both qualifications and work towards an alternative skills assessment pathway.
Example 2: Master of Accounting + Certificate III in Carpentry
This strategy may also be suitable for eligible postgraduate students.
For example, a student undertaking a two-year Master of Accounting could explore the following pathway:
Step 1
Complete the first year: Continue the Master’s degree and satisfy the applicable concurrent enrolment requirements.
Step 2
Begin studying Carpentry: During the final year of the Master’s degree, commence a Certificate III in Carpentry while continuing the main qualification, subject to eligibility and provider approval.
Step 3
Apply for a Graduate Visa: Upon completing the Master’s degree, apply for an eligible Subclass 485 visa.
Step 4
Continue the second qualification: Once the Graduate Visa is granted, complete the remaining Carpentry studies while holding that visa.
This could allow the student to pursue two different qualifications without immediately needing another Student Visa after completing their Master’s degree.
What Happens After Completing Both Qualifications?
For students considering permanent residency, the next step is understanding how their qualifications may support different skilled migration pathways.
For example, a student who completes both Accounting and Carpentry qualifications may be able to pursue skills assessments in either occupation, provided they meet the relevant requirements such as working experience.
For Carpentry, graduates may need to complete the relevant assessment process through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), including the Provisional Skills Assessment and applicable employment-based Job Ready Program requirements.
A positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation may support certain skilled migration applications, subject to occupation lists, visa criteria and state nomination requirements.
Completing two qualifications does not automatically qualify a student for two positive skills assessments or permanent residency.
Important Considerations Before Choosing This Strategy
While concurrent enrolment can provide greater flexibility, it is not suitable for every student.
Before proceeding, it is important to consider:
- Concurrent enrolment eligibility: Students must satisfy the applicable transfer restrictions and Student Visa conditions, including maintaining their principal course and required academic progress.
- Education provider availability: Not every education institution offers or supports concurrent enrolment and the issuance of a second Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Graduate Visa eligibility: A Subclass 485 visa is not guaranteed. Students must meet the applicable qualification, Australian study, age, English and other visa requirements.
- Course duration and visa validity: Students must ensure they have sufficient lawful stay and suitable study arrangements to complete their second qualification. A 485 visa application alone does not guarantee the ability to continue studying.
- Skills assessment requirements: A Certificate III in Carpentry alone does not guarantee a positive TRA skills assessment. Relevant employment experience and practical assessments may be required.
Most importantly, the strategy may reduce additional study time and provide more career options, but it does not guarantee a skilled visa invitation or permanent residency.
Explore Your Fast-Track Study Strategy With Hays Migration & Education
With Australia’s Student Visa rules becoming increasingly restrictive, planning your study and migration pathway early is more important than ever.
At Hays Migration & Education, our experienced education consultants and MARA Registered Migration Agents can help you explore suitable concurrent study arrangements, assess your visa eligibility and plan a pathway that aligns with your long-term goals.
We also work with education partners who may support concurrent enrolment, helping eligible students explore suitable courses while addressing the relevant enrolment and visa compliance requirements.
Contact us today to explore your options and start planning a smarter study and migration pathway in Australia.
